at confrontation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at confrontation" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts discussing the timing or location of a confrontation, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The team was unprepared at confrontation, leading to a chaotic outcome."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I'm bad at confrontation.

The New Yorker

I'm not good at confrontation," Mr. Avellino said, adding that his duties depended on the actors.

The New York Times

I know we've been too soft in the past and neither of us is good at confrontation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet he is not entirely Gabe, Mr. Arkin said: "I'm a little bit better at confrontation than Gabe is.

The New York Times

According to Mr Sutyagin, such flights close to Nato borders are "nothing new" but their current intensity and the lack of communication "should be taken in the context of Russian policy - aiming at confrontation with the West, not co-operation".

BBC

It's a conceit that's perfect for a nation that cringes at confrontation.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He was also present at confrontations with the government at the Bundy ranch and Sugar Pine Mine in Oregon early in 2015.

The Guardian

Cooper was previously present at confrontations with the government at the Nevada Bundy ranch and Sugar Pine mine in Oregon early in 2015.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, it's not easy to rid yourself of a man so supremely talented at ducking confrontation.

The Guardian - Books

Ayrault said the resolution was not aimed at a confrontation with Russia but was an appeal for a truce to save Aleppo.

The Guardian

"If you look at the confrontation between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, or the Trump phenomenon, then you see: populists thrive on being able to send out a clear message.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at confrontation", ensure the context clearly indicates location or timing. Using alternatives like "during the confrontation" often sounds more natural. For example, "The team was unprepared at confrontation" could be improved to "The team was unprepared during the confrontation".

Common error

Avoid overusing "at confrontation" when describing actions or states during a conflict. It can sound less fluent than other options. Instead of saying "He hesitated at confrontation", consider "He hesitated during the confrontation" or "He hesitated when confronted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at confrontation" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often indicating the location or timing of an event within the context of a confrontation. As Ludwig AI points out, this construction is not as common and can sometimes sound awkward compared to alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at confrontation" is grammatically acceptable but not always the most natural choice. Ludwig highlights that it often sounds awkward and there are better alternatives depending on the intended meaning. While it appears in various contexts, including News & Media and Science, its usage is uncommon. Consider alternatives like "during the confrontation" for smoother phrasing. Therefore, while understandable, prioritize clarity and naturalness when employing "at confrontation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the confrontation

Specifies the timing of the action, focusing on the period when the confrontation is happening.

in the midst of confrontation

Highlights the position within the confrontation, adding a sense of immersion in the event.

amidst the confrontation

Similar to 'in the midst of', it conveys being surrounded by the confrontational event.

at the time of the confrontation

Focuses on a specific point when the confrontation occurs.

facing a confrontation

Emphasizes the act of encountering or dealing with a confrontation.

involved in a confrontation

Indicates participation or engagement in a confrontational situation.

present at the confrontation

Highlights the physical presence during a confrontational event.

on the verge of confrontation

Suggests an impending or near-immediate confrontation.

leading to confrontation

Emphasizes the action that is causing the confrontation.

resulting in confrontation

Focuses on the outcome, where confrontation is the consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "at confrontation" in a sentence?

While "at confrontation" isn't inherently incorrect, it can sound awkward. It is best used when specifying a location or a point in time. Example: "Two distinct bodies at confrontation, with the U-87 MG spheroid identified by green fluorescent protein."

What are some alternatives to "at confrontation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "during the confrontation", "in the midst of confrontation", or "amidst the confrontation".

Is "at confrontation" grammatically incorrect?

No, it is grammatically acceptable, but Ludwig's AI suggests it can sound unnatural in some contexts. Using alternatives can often improve the flow and clarity of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "at confrontation"?

It is most appropriate when you want to specify the location or the timing of an event related to the confrontation. Consider if alternatives like "during the confrontation" or "at the time of the confrontation" would be clearer.