bitter battle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitter battle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two adversaries who are refraining from compromise and are adamant in their pursuit of a certain goal. For example, the divorce proceedings between the two ex-husband and wife became a bitter battle for the custody of their children.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the bitter battle among Texas Republicans isn't over.

The New Yorker

The effort has turned into a protracted and bitter battle.

The New York Times

He won, but only after a bitter battle.

The New York Times - Sports

The takeover was later done after a bitter battle against arch rival 888.

Independent

Opponents in the bitter battle still plan to fight it to Massachusetts's top court.

The New York Times

To judge from current political trends, Brazil's conservationists should be prepared for a bitter battle.

The New Yorker

The Koch brothers fought a bitter battle for ownership of the family oil services business.

The New York Times

The Home Valuation Code of Conduct is setting off a bitter battle.

The New York Times

It was a bitter battle and losses of our Hellcat fighters were heavy.

The New York Times

A bitter battle followed, in which Frances lost the custody of her four children.

The Guardian

The European press got itself in a bitter battle against Google.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bitter battle", ensure the context clearly establishes two opposing sides engaged in a significant dispute. Avoid using it for minor disagreements or friendly competitions.

Common error

Avoid using "bitter battle" to describe minor disagreements or situations lacking genuine conflict. Reserve it for scenarios involving significant stakes and strong animosity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter battle" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a conflict or struggle characterized by strong animosity and a lack of compromise. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bitter battle" effectively describes a conflict marked by animosity and unwavering determination. Grammatically sound and frequently employed, as Ludwig AI confirms, it suits various contexts, particularly news and media. While alternatives like "fierce conflict" and "acrimonious dispute" exist, "bitter battle" vividly conveys the intensity of a contentious situation, often highlighting prolonged and difficult struggles. It's crucial to reserve this phrase for significant disputes, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fierce conflict

Emphasizes the intensity and aggressiveness of the conflict.

acrimonious dispute

Highlights the negativity and resentment involved in the disagreement.

contentious struggle

Focuses on the disagreement and the effort exerted in the fight.

heated rivalry

Suggests a competitive situation with strong emotions.

intense clash

Underscores the powerful and direct confrontation between opposing sides.

protracted feud

Implies a long-lasting and deeply personal conflict.

cutthroat competition

Emphasizes the ruthless and aggressive nature of the competitive environment.

unrelenting struggle

Focuses on the persistent and determined effort in the face of opposition.

vicious fight

Highlights the violence and severity of the confrontation.

all-out war

Suggests a comprehensive and unrestrained conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "bitter battle" in a sentence?

The phrase "bitter battle" is used to describe a conflict characterized by strong animosity and determination. For example: "The lawsuit became a "bitter battle" between the two companies."

What are some alternatives to "bitter battle"?

Alternatives include "fierce conflict", "acrimonious dispute", or "contentious struggle". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "bitter battle" a formal or informal expression?

"Bitter battle" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but is more commonly used in news reporting and general writing than in highly academic or technical contexts. However, always be mindful of the formality of your overall text and your audiance.

What makes a battle "bitter"?

A "bitter battle" implies a high degree of animosity, resentment, and determination between the opposing sides. It suggests that the conflict is not only intense but also deeply personal or ideologically driven.