an ally

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A country or person that supports and helps another in a disagreement, fight, or shared goal.

   Grammar: Countable noun; use 'an ally' for one, 'allies' for more than one.

   Patterns

   • an ally of someone
   • an ally in something
   • become an ally

   The two nations became an ally during the war.

   She is an ally of the workers and often speaks at their meetings.

   Having an ally in the same department made the project easier.

2. 2nouncountable

   Someone who supports a group of people who are treated unfairly, even though they are not part of that group.

   Grammar: Often used with 'to' or 'of': an ally to the community.

   Patterns

   • an ally to someone
   • an ally of a group

   He is an ally to the LGBTQ community.

   Teachers can be an ally for students who feel left out.

   The campaign asked men to be an ally in the fight for equality.

Word forms

Common combinations

a close ally

The prime minister met with a close ally before the vote.

a political ally

She gained a powerful political ally in the senate.

a strong ally

The country has been a strong ally for decades.

an ally of convenience

They were an ally of convenience, not a true friend.

Synonyms and how they differ

partner

Partner often suggests working together as equals, while ally stresses support in a conflict or cause.

supporter

Supporter is more general and can mean someone who just encourages, not necessarily fights alongside.

friend

Friend is personal and emotional; ally is usually about shared goals or politics.

Opposites

Word family

alliance noun

A formal agreement to work together.

allied adjective

Joined by agreement or treaty.

Commonly confused: an ally or alloy?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “an ally”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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