a clash erupted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clash erupted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and intense conflict or confrontation between groups or individuals. Example: "As tensions rose between the two factions, a clash erupted in the streets, drawing the attention of law enforcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A clash erupted between people outside and members of palace defense inside the palace.

The New York Times

In the late afternoon a clash erupted between protesters and government supporters on a major road in Bangkok.

The New York Times

PAGE A10 CRISIS HAMPERS THAILAND'S TOURISM Somchai Wongsawat, Thailand's acting prime minister, lifted the country's state of emergency that began this month after a clash erupted between rival groups of protesters.

The New York Times

The opposition website Kalame said the prisoners were beaten when a clash erupted during a snap inspection of Ward 350 by the Evin prison authorities on Thursday.

BBC

Kalame reported that the political prisoners were beaten when a clash erupted during a snap inspection of Ward 350 by the prison authorities.

BBC

While crossing the Tigris in the Assyrian village of Dirabun, a clash erupted between the Assyrians and an Iraqi army brigade.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A local news agency, Pajhwok, cited an unidentified official who said a "verbal clash erupted" between the two men.

The New York Times

A bloody clash erupted last month when security forces prevented pro-Taliban militants from recruiting pupils for jihad at a private secondary school in North-West Frontier Province (NWFP).

The Economist

Courts have sided with the state, but no governor has attempted to collect the taxes since 1997, when a violent clash erupted between Indian protesters and state troopers after Gov. George E. Pataki tried to collect them.

The New York Times

Nowhere was the feud more intense than at the Hawthorne Court on 76th and 77th Streets between 35th and 37th Avenues where co-op board meetings were called, factions formed and a culture clash erupted.

The New York Times

In the long war over Wall Street regulation, a little-noticed clash erupted this week over a plan to rein in risky trading overseas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clash erupted" to vividly depict a sudden and forceful outbreak of conflict, whether physical or ideological. This phrase is effective in news reporting and descriptive narratives where immediacy is important.

Common error

While suitable for news and descriptive contexts, avoid using "a clash erupted" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or understated tone is preferred. Instead, opt for phrases like "a conflict arose" or "disagreements escalated."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clash erupted" functions as a verb phrase indicating the sudden start of a conflict. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its descriptive power in portraying immediate and intense confrontations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clash erupted" is a grammatically correct and vivid way to describe the sudden start of a conflict, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, its usage extends to wiki articles and formal business communications. Though not as frequent as other expressions, it effectively conveys immediacy and intensity. When writing, it's best to use this phrase in descriptive or narrative pieces where impact is desired, but avoid overuse in highly formal or academic settings. Alternative phrases include "a conflict broke out" and "violence erupted".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conflict broke out

Replaces "clash" with "conflict" and uses the phrasal verb "broke out" for a more general sense of conflict initiation.

violence erupted

Focuses specifically on the outbreak of physical violence.

a confrontation began

Emphasizes the direct and often face-to-face nature of the conflict.

fighting flared up

Suggests that the conflict may have been simmering beneath the surface before suddenly becoming active.

an altercation ignited

Uses a more dramatic verb to emphasize the sudden and forceful beginning of the conflict.

hostilities commenced

A more formal way of saying that a conflict has started, implying a more serious or military context.

a battle unfolded

Suggests a more organized and extended conflict, similar to a military engagement.

a disagreement escalated

Highlights the gradual increase in intensity of the conflict from a simple disagreement.

a scuffle ensued

Implies a brief and often disorganized physical fight.

a disturbance started

A more neutral way of describing the beginning of a conflict, often used in official reports.

FAQs

What does "a clash erupted" mean?

The phrase "a clash erupted" means a sudden and often violent conflict or confrontation started. It suggests a burst of activity, whether it's a physical fight or a heated argument.

How can I use "a clash erupted" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a sudden outbreak of conflict. For example, "A clash erupted between protesters and police after the rally turned violent."

What can I say instead of "a clash erupted"?

You can use alternatives like "a conflict broke out", "hostilities commenced", or "violence erupted" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a clash erupted" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a clash erupted" may be too dramatic for some formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "a disagreement escalated" or "a conflict arose" for a more neutral tone.