a cause of friction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cause of friction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or factor that leads to conflict or tension between individuals or groups. Example: "The differing opinions on project management styles became a cause of friction between the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But the agreement, made days before the Japanese prime minister, Yoshihiko Noda, meets Obama in Washington, is unlikely to satisfy residents living near Futenma, a cause of friction between successive US and Japanese administrations.

The Guardian

George Papandreou, the Greek foreign minister, is expected to tell British politicians that the wonders need no longer be a cause of friction but one of friendship between the two countries.

The Guardian

Plans for a rising against British rule in Ireland miscarried, but the American Fenians staged abortive raids across the border into British Canada in 1866, 1870, and 1871 and were a cause of friction between the U.S. and British governments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mendes de Vasconcelos' second-in-command was the recently appointed Maestro de Campo General dom Rodrigo de Castro, a friend of the Count of Soure, Vasconcelos' enemy in the court, which was a cause of friction between them.

Wikipedia

Moreover, the deposited colorants are a cause of friction on the corneal epithelium.

Eye Contact Lens

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr. Chi's lawyers used arguments like those used unsuccessfully by lawyers for Mr. Medellín, whose case has been a cause of major friction between the United States and Mexico.

The New York Times

Acadia's border was not formally demarcated by the Treaty of Utrecht, which became a cause of ongoing friction between the British and French, especially on the Isthmus of Chignecto, which both sides eventually fortified.

Wikipedia

Women who worked outside the home were also still expected to be responsible for domestic chores and caring for children such that their absence from the home while working was at times a cause of relationship friction.

Global Health Action

The unsuccessful foray into Flanders was a special cause of friction, and the long siege of Oostende put a heavy strain on their relations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Richard's act of mercy was calculated to reconcile him with Stanley, but it may have been to no avail Carpenter has identified a further cause of friction in Richard's intention to reopen an old land dispute that involved Thomas Stanley and the Harrington family.

Wikipedia

This difference can be a major cause of friction.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cause of friction", ensure the context clearly identifies the parties or elements experiencing the friction to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a cause of friction between the departments".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a cause of friction" may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler terms like "problem" or "issue" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cause of friction" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies something or someone that initiates or exacerbates tension or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cause of friction" is a noun phrase used to describe the origin of tension or conflict, confirmed by Ludwig as grammatically correct and usable. While not extremely common, appearing mostly in News & Media and Encyclopedias, its formal tone suits objective analysis and reporting. Related phrases like "a source of tension" or "a point of contention" offer alternatives depending on the context. When using the phrase, clarity about the parties involved is essential, and simpler alternatives may be better suited for informal settings. Ludwig's analysis points to its consistent, albeit infrequent, usage across various reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a source of tension

Replaces "friction" with "tension", emphasizing the strained relationship.

a source of conflict

Directly replaces the phrase with a synonym, emphasizing the adversarial nature.

a point of contention

Focuses on the disagreement aspect, highlighting a specific issue of conflict.

a bone of contention

An idiomatic expression denoting a persistent cause of disagreement.

an area of discord

Highlights the lack of harmony or agreement.

a root of disagreement

Focuses on the foundational aspect of the conflict.

a spark for conflict

Implies the beginning of a conflict or disagreement.

a trigger for discord

Emphasizes the triggering effect of a conflict or disagreement.

a reason for antagonism

Highlights the antagonistic aspect of the conflict, suggesting animosity.

a breeding ground for disputes

Suggests the environment in which disputes arise and flourish.

FAQs

How can I use "a cause of friction" in a sentence?

You can use "a cause of friction" to describe something that creates tension or conflict between people or groups. For example, "The new policy became "a cause of friction" between management and employees."

What are some synonyms for "a cause of friction"?

Alternatives include "a source of tension", "a point of contention", or "a source of conflict".

Is it better to say "a cause of friction" or "a source of friction"?

Both "a cause of friction" and "a source of friction" are grammatically correct and semantically similar. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a cause of friction"?

"A cause of friction" is appropriate in formal writing, news reports, and academic papers when describing elements that create disagreement or tension. In casual conversation, simpler terms might be more suitable.