a clash of classes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clash of classes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conflict or struggle between different social or economic classes, often in discussions about social issues or politics. Example: "The recent protests highlighted a clash of classes, as the wealthy and the working class expressed their opposing views on economic policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Perhaps it's best to see this as a clash of classes.

Forbes

I saw a clash of classes.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

(How Kit relishes the thought of a clash of class cultures at the wedding!) We know quite a bit about Kit — that her Daddy was in insurance, and that they made enough money to live in the suburbs but not anywhere very grand, and that they've been abroad (which used to have more cachet, especially if you'd been to Paris, the center of the sophisticated world).

The New Yorker

(How Kit relishes the thought of a clash of class cultures at the wedding!) We know quite a bit about Kit — that her Daddy was in insurance, and that they made enough money to live in the suburbs but not anywhere very grand, and that they've been abroad (which used to have more cachet_,_ especially if you'd been to Paris, the center of the sophisticated world).

The New Yorker

This was not an outrage, but an opportunity — and a clash of interests among classes in a society being forced to legislate and reinvent itself.

The New York Times - Arts

It's also the ever-widening gap between the haves and have-nots and the social inequalities that come with it -- beyond a clash of civilizations, cultures, and class, it's generational.

Huffington Post

Luminita Gheorghiu in a command performance -- a mother's struggle to save her lethargic son exposes the dark side of maternal love along with the clash of classes in a corrupt Romanian society.

Huffington Post

Today, the very language — cockie leekie or grilled mutton (not lamb) chops — evokes the twilight of the Edwardian era, before the eruption of World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution, and before the clash of classes and ideologies that the various decks on the Titanic contrived to keep at bay.

The New York Times

Investigating the Era: "Today, the very language — cockie leekie or grilled mutton (not lamb) chops — evokes the twilight of the Edwardian era, before the eruption of World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution, and before the clash of classes and ideologies that the various decks on the Titanic contrived to keep at bay.

The New York Times

Here's the kind of thinking that drives the education standards writers: "The costs of multiculturalism -- in terms of disunity, the clash of classes, and declining trust -- are likely to be huge in the long run.

Huffington Post

The skirmishing was a form of class warfare as well as a clash of ideals.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing social issues, use the phrase "a clash of classes" to highlight fundamental disagreements arising from different socio-economic positions. It's particularly effective when analyzing political movements, economic policies, or cultural conflicts.

Common error

Avoid using "a clash of classes" when the conflict stems from differences other than socio-economic status, such as religion or ethnicity. These situations are more accurately described as "a clash of cultures" or "a clash of ideologies."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clash of classes" functions as a noun phrase that describes a conflict or tension arising from the differing socio-economic positions of distinct social classes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clash of classes" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe conflict arising from socio-economic disparities. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and indicates it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While relatively rare, its usage is clear and effective for analyzing social dynamics. When using this phrase, ensure that the conflict genuinely stems from socio-economic differences rather than other factors like culture or ideology. Alternatives include "class warfare" or "social stratification conflict", depending on the desired level of formality. The sources confirm the phrase's use in reputable publications, suggesting it is a valid and useful term for discussing social issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conflict between social strata

This alternative uses more formal language to describe the opposing social layers.

social stratification conflict

This alternative compacts the idea, focusing on the conflict arising from social hierarchy.

class warfare

This term is a more aggressive and politically charged way of expressing the same concept.

economic disparity tensions

This alternative emphasizes the economic roots of the conflict.

struggle among social groups

This phrase broadens the concept to include any type of social group, not just classes.

social division friction

This alternative highlights the friction caused by social divisions.

inequality contention

This focuses on the disagreement and dispute caused by inequality.

socio-economic discord

This uses more formal and academic terms to describe the lack of harmony.

gap between rich and poor

This provides a direct and simple description of the inequality that causes conflict.

divisions in society

This is a general way to refer to any type of social separation or conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "a clash of classes" in a sentence?

You can use "a clash of classes" to describe situations where conflicts arise due to differing socio-economic backgrounds. For example: "The debate over tax policies often represents "a clash of classes", with different groups advocating for policies that benefit their specific economic interests".

What's a less formal way to express "a clash of classes"?

Less formal alternatives include "class warfare", "social division friction", or simply describing the "gap between rich and poor". These phrases convey a similar meaning but might be more suitable for casual conversations or less academic contexts.

Is "a clash of classes" the same as "a clash of cultures"?

No, while both describe conflicts, "a clash of classes" refers specifically to conflicts arising from socio-economic differences, whereas "a clash of cultures" describes conflicts arising from differences in values, beliefs, and practices between different cultural groups.

What's the difference between "a clash of classes" and "social stratification conflict"?

"A clash of classes" is a more common and readily understood phrase, while "social stratification conflict" is a more academic term that describes the same phenomenon – the conflict arising from the hierarchical arrangement of social classes.