a cycle of violence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cycle of violence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which violence is perpetuated, either through direct physical contact or via an atmosphere of fear and hostility. For example, "This family has been caught in a cycle of violence for generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Otherwise, a cycle of violence will continue.

The New York Times

There is a cycle of violence, Mr. Abu Sada said.

The New York Times

Eighty years of Turkish repression has fostered a cycle of violence and a legacy of mistrust.

The New York Times

This is a cycle of violence that has spiralled out of control".

The Guardian

"Another concern for decision makers will be if we embark on a cycle of violence.

The New York Times

"The province swirled into a cycle of violence," Colonel Sutherland said.

The New York Times

The country's south-east plunged back into a cycle of violence.

Independent

"The risk this situation poses is of sliding back to a cycle of violence," Fayyad said.

The New York Times

"We fear a cycle of violence that will never end," Ms. Johnson said.

The New York Times

But hate speech and defamation can and do perpetuate a cycle of violence".

The New York Times

It is a form of direct action, a political intervention to break a cycle of violence and revenge.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cycle of violence", clearly define the context and the specific events that contribute to the cycle. This helps the reader understand the full scope and implications of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a cycle of violence" as a vague term. Ensure the context provides specific examples of actions and reactions to show how the cycle is perpetuated, rather than simply stating it exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cycle of violence" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a recurring pattern or sequence of violent events or behaviors. As Ludwig AI explains, it depicts situations where violence perpetuates itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cycle of violence" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a recurring pattern of violent events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's effective for depicting situations where violence perpetuates itself. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and its usage is generally considered neutral. To use the phrase effectively, ensure that you clearly define the specific events that contribute to the cycle and avoid overgeneralization. Related terms include "a spiral of violence" and "a pattern of violence", which offer slightly different nuances. By following these guidelines, you can use "a cycle of violence" with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a spiral of violence

Emphasizes the escalating nature of the violence.

a pattern of violence

Highlights the predictable and repetitive nature of the violent acts.

a chain of violence

Suggests a linked sequence of violent events, each triggering the next.

a vicious circle of violence

Adds a sense of inescapable negativity and self-perpetuation to the cycle.

an unending cycle of violence

Highlights the seemingly perpetual and relentless nature of the violence.

a repetitive sequence of violence

Focuses on the repeated and predictable order of events.

recurring episodes of violence

Emphasizes the repeated occurrence of violent incidents.

successive waves of violence

Implies a series of intensifying or spreading violent acts.

a continuum of violence

Stresses the unbroken and continuous nature of the violent activity.

intergenerational violence

Focuses on violence that spans across generations.

FAQs

How is "a cycle of violence" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "a cycle of violence" is used to describe a situation where one violent act leads to another, creating a recurring pattern. For example, "The region has been trapped in "a cycle of violence" for decades".

What are some alternatives to saying "a cycle of violence"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a spiral of violence", "a pattern of violence", or "a vicious circle of violence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "a cycle of violence" from "an isolated incident of violence"?

"A cycle of violence" describes a recurring pattern of violence, while "an isolated incident of violence" refers to a single, unconnected act of violence. The key difference is the repetition and interconnectedness of events.

How can the phrase "a cycle of violence" be used to describe domestic abuse?

In the context of domestic abuse, "a cycle of violence" often refers to the recurring pattern of tension building, abuse, and reconciliation (or the "honeymoon phase"), before the cycle repeats. This pattern traps victims and normalizes the abuse.