be clashing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be clashing" is not standard in written English and may not be easily understood.
It could be used in contexts discussing conflicts or disagreements, but it would be clearer to use a more conventional expression. Example: "Their opinions seem to be clashing during the debate."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

She seemed to be clashing with everything.

The New Yorker

Soon they will be clashing with Burundi's notoriously chaotic army.

The Economist

Lawyers will soon be clashing over the question in court.

The New York Times

ONCE again, the needs of peace appear to be clashing with the exigencies of justice.

The Economist

Throughout the installation, objects are placed in what promises to be clashing and undermining proximity, without any damage occurring.

The New York Times - Arts

"We do seem to be clashing against each other on track, which is great, isn't it?" Newey said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In fact, strong egos are clashing furiously.

The Economist

Personalities have been clashing for a while.

Independent

Countries are clashing over their currency prices.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cultures are clashing as a new worldwide work force emerges.

Stanford University

Within a year, Mr. O'Rourke and Mr. Bogdanoff were clashing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be clashing", consider whether a more specific verb or phrase would provide greater clarity and impact. For instance, instead of "their opinions be clashing", try "their opinions diverged sharply".

Common error

Avoid using "be clashing" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and professional language such as "be in conflict" or "be incompatible" to maintain a consistent tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be clashing" is to serve as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing state of conflict or disagreement. It describes a dynamic process where opposing forces are actively interacting. Ludwig provides various examples that show how to use it.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

6.666666666666667%

Less common in

Academia

6.666666666666667%

Formal & Business

6.666666666666667%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be clashing" is a grammatically acceptable phrase used to describe a state of conflict or disagreement. While fairly common, Ludwig AI indicates that it may lack the precision of alternatives like "be in conflict" or "be at odds", especially in formal contexts. Its register is generally neutral, appearing most frequently in news and media. To enhance clarity, consider more specific language when using "be clashing", and reserve it for situations where a clear sense of opposition needs to be conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be in conflict

Emphasizes a state of opposition or struggle.

be at odds

Highlights disagreement or contention between parties.

be in opposition

Focuses on resistance or disagreement.

be colliding

Implies a direct and forceful conflict.

be disagreeing

A more straightforward way to describe a difference of opinion.

be incompatible

Highlights a lack of harmony or suitability.

be locking horns

An idiomatic expression for engaging in a conflict or dispute.

be butting heads

Informal expression for disagreeing strongly.

be facing opposition

Focuses on encountering resistance from an opposing force.

be running afoul

Implies encountering problems or conflicts.

FAQs

What does "be clashing" mean?

The phrase "be clashing" generally means to be in conflict, disagreement, or opposition. It can describe a situation where ideas, opinions, or even physical objects are not in harmony.

When is it appropriate to use "be clashing"?

It's appropriate to use "be clashing" when describing a situation where there is a clear conflict or incompatibility. However, in formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "be in conflict" or "be at odds" for increased precision.

What are some alternatives to "be clashing"?

Alternatives include "be colliding", "be incompatible", "be butting heads", or "be in opposition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be clashing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "be clashing" is grammatically correct, although Ludwig AI notes it can be considered less precise than other alternatives. It follows standard English grammar rules for verb phrases.