a point of conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a point of conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific issue or disagreement between parties in discussions, negotiations, or narratives. Example: "During the meeting, we identified a point of conflict regarding the budget allocation for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Surprisingly, decorating proved to be a point of conflict.

The New York Times

Then, in late 2010, the lawsuit resurfaced as a point of conflict.

The New York Times

She didn't hide from the fact that it's a point of conflict.

The New York Times - Arts

These areas became a point of conflict with the house of Saʿūd.

Britannica

For many couples, marijuana use, or non-use, is a point of conflict.

The New York Times

Those rewards, and salaries to match, have at times been a point of conflict among members of the N.Y.U.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The need to make their sexual orientation public in order to have influence has been a point of inner conflict for some gay people.

The New York Times

She discusses the papirosa as a moral and medical problem, tracks the ways in which it was marketed as a liberating object, and concludes that it has become a point of increasing conflict for users, reformers, and purveyors.

Cornell University

Sheer and shiny it may be, but this too has arisen from a point of historic conflict, for it stands on the ground once occupied by the Baltic Exchange and the Chamber of Shipping, blown up by the IRA 24 years ago.

The Guardian - Travel

Sara cannot share Ron's enthusiasm for the cropped hair, artillery infatuation and general tomboyishness of their teenage daughter, Lacey (Sami Gayle), and the presence in their home of Sara's sister Abby (Cassie Beck) threatens to become a point of simmering conflict.

The New York Times

A point of continuing conflict is the ratio of owner-occupants to renters, and how that weighs against the building's ability to refinance its underlying mortgage and for prospective buyers to obtain loans for individual apartments -- commonly called end loans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a point of conflict" to clearly identify a specific issue causing disagreement or tension within a broader context.

Common error

Avoid replacing common terms like "disagreement" with "a point of conflict" in informal contexts. The phrase is best suited for formal or analytical writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a point of conflict" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific issue or area that is the cause of disagreement or tension. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correctly used and appropriate in various writing contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a point of conflict" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that identifies a specific issue causing disagreement or tension. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correctly used in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "a source of contention" or "an area of disagreement", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Use the phrase judiciously, favoring it in formal or analytical contexts where precise identification of a contentious issue is valuable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a point of contention

Synonymous, but with a slightly more formal tone.

a source of contention

Focuses on the aspect of dispute or argument being the main characteristic.

a contentious issue

Highlights that the issue causes disagreement or argument.

a matter of dispute

Highlights the contested nature of the issue.

an area of disagreement

Emphasizes the lack of consensus or agreement on a particular matter.

a bone of contention

Implies a long-standing and persistent source of disagreement.

a source of friction

Highlights the tension and unease resulting from a disagreement.

a sticking point

Indicates a specific issue that is causing difficulty and preventing progress.

an issue of discord

Focuses on the lack of harmony and agreement.

a flashpoint

Suggests a situation where conflict is likely to erupt suddenly.

FAQs

How can I use "a point of conflict" in a sentence?

You can use "a point of conflict" to identify a specific issue that is the source of disagreement or tension. For example: "The budget negotiations revealed "a point of conflict" between the departments."

What are some alternatives to "a point of conflict"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a source of contention", "an area of disagreement", or "a matter of dispute".

Is "point of conflict" formal or informal?

"Point of conflict" tends to be more formal and analytical. Simpler terms like "disagreement" or "issue" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

What's the difference between "a point of conflict" and "a source of conflict"?

While similar, "a point of conflict" refers to a specific issue, whereas "a source of conflict" suggests a broader underlying cause or origin of the disagreement.