an underlying conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an underlying conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fundamental or hidden disagreement or struggle that affects a situation or relationship. Example: "The novel explores an underlying conflict between the protagonist's desires and societal expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But to do that he will need to overcome the blockage in Congress and resolve an underlying conflict that is not only about the economy but has its roots in historically unresolved questions of values and identity.

The Guardian

There's an underlying conflict going on about which video codec that should be used (H.264, Ogg Theora or WebM).

TechCrunch

Promontory and the other reviewers have an underlying conflict of interest: they're reviewing their own client base.

Huffington Post

It is worth noting that these erroneous responses, though less frequent in the explicit group (5%), were not totally overcome, suggesting an underlying conflict between the correct explicit prediction for a repetition and the automatic tendency to prepare the alternate response after another alternation.

Plosone

There is thus an underlying conflict in that the physician must at the same time listen to the patient and avoid being misled by the patient.

BMC Family Practice

An underlying conflict of interest between views of prisons as places for punishment or for rehabilitation has been suggested as a reason for the differences between prisons, indicating arguments of idealistic and cultural dimensions [ 13].

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Haddad [ 16] states that the Ganser syndrome and depression are also considered as separate manifestations of a common underlying conflict.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

What we will do is consider options that meet the narrow concern around chemical weapons, understanding that there is not going to be a solely military solution to the underlying conflict and tragedy that's taking place in Syria.

The New York Times

The physical symptoms occur in the absence of organic pathology and are thought to stem instead from an underlying emotional conflict.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The responses in females are therefore consistent with the existence of an underlying sexual conflict and antagonistic coevolution with males.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

For a long time, our domestic affairs, or at least the portion of them most explicitly tied to race, have resembled a nightmare doomed to be repeated until the underlying conflict is resolved.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an underlying conflict", ensure that the context clearly indicates what elements are in opposition. Be specific about the nature of the conflict to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an underlying conflict" without illustrating how it manifests or influences events. While the conflict may be hidden, its effects should be evident in the situation being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying conflict" functions as a noun phrase, where "underlying" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "conflict". It identifies a disagreement, tension, or struggle that is not immediately apparent but is fundamental to a situation, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an underlying conflict" is a valid and useful phrase for describing a hidden or non-obvious source of tension or disagreement, according to Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase that identifies a fundamental issue influencing a situation. The phrase is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, lending itself to both analytical and descriptive writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use. When employing this phrase, ensure that the nature and manifestation of the conflict are clearly articulated to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental dispute

Focuses on the basic nature of the disagreement.

a hidden tension

Emphasizes the concealed nature of the strained relationship or situation.

a latent disagreement

Highlights the potential for the disagreement to surface.

an inherent contradiction

Points to an incompatibility existing within something.

a suppressed struggle

Suggests that the conflict is being actively kept from being expressed.

a basic antagonism

Highlights the fundamental opposition or hostility.

a veiled discord

Emphasizes the disguised or subtle nature of the disagreement.

a deep-seated friction

Indicates a long-lasting and firmly established source of tension.

a root cause of friction

Highlights that it's the origin of the problem

a concealed animosity

Focuses on hidden or unacknowledged ill-feeling or resentment.

FAQs

How can I use "an underlying conflict" in a sentence?

Use "an underlying conflict" to describe a disagreement or tension that is not immediately obvious but influences the situation. For example, "The peace treaty failed to address "an underlying conflict" over resources, leading to renewed hostilities."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "an underlying conflict"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a fundamental dispute", "a hidden tension", or "a latent disagreement". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "an underlying conflict" or "the underlying conflict"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "an underlying conflict" is used when referring to one of potentially many conflicts. "The underlying conflict" suggests it is the primary or most significant conflict.

What's the difference between "an underlying conflict" and "an overt conflict"?

"An underlying conflict" is a disagreement or tension that is not openly expressed or easily noticed, while "an overt conflict" is one that is openly displayed and apparent.