brutal clash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brutal clash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a violent or intense confrontation, whether in a physical, social, or ideological context. Example: "The two rival factions engaged in a brutal clash that left many injured and heightened tensions in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

How can one compare the "beautiful game" to a brutal clash of helmeted behemoths?

The New York Times

The film's climax, a brutal clash between Aliya's two lovers, tales place on the subway platform.

The New York Times

And like Mr. McCain, he appears to be headed toward a relatively early primary victory and a long, brutal clash with Barack Obama.

The New York Times

He recently spent several weeks investigating a brutal clash in August when security forces killed 34 miners who had gone out on a wildcat strike.

The New York Times

Yet in the ongoing, brutal clash of Islam and the west, Edward Said's analysis remains the book to which no combatant can be indifferent.

The Guardian - Books

Multiple people were stabbed and beaten in a brutal clash between white nationalists and counter-protesters just outside the California capitol building in Sacramento on Sunday.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But brutal clashes continue in the rural south, prompting this summer's exodus.

The Guardian

Violence at South Africa's universities has escalated from damage to statues and artworks and confrontations with security staff and police, to the burning of buildings and brutal clashes between student factions.

The Guardian

The brutal clashes on 18 June 1984 between 6,000 police officers from forces across the country and thousands of striking miners during a mass picket at coking works in South Yorkshire was a key moment in the miners' strike.

The Guardian

The home secretary, Amber Rudd, has rejected the possibility of an inquiry into the "Battle of Orgreave", the brutal clashes between police and miners during the 1984 miners' strike.

The Guardian

There were brutal clashes between pickets and police but the strike eventually collapsed the following March.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brutal clash" to describe conflicts where there is significant violence, injury, or loss of life. The phrase is effective in conveying the severity and intensity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "brutal clash" to describe minor disagreements or competitive situations that lack genuine violence or physical harm. Using it inappropriately can diminish the impact of the phrase when describing truly severe conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brutal clash" functions as a noun phrase, where "brutal" modifies the noun "clash". It describes a violent and intense confrontation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brutal clash" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys a violent and intense confrontation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using "brutal clash", ensure that the context warrants the strong imagery it evokes, avoiding overuse in less severe situations. Alternatives such as "violent confrontation" or "fierce conflict" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fierce conflict

Replaces "brutal" with "fierce," emphasizing the intensity of the conflict but softening the violent connotation.

ferocious fight

Replaces "clash" with "fight," emphasizing the physical struggle, and "brutal" with "ferocious" intensifying it.

violent confrontation

Substitutes both words with synonyms, creating a more general and descriptive term.

ruthless confrontation

Emphasizes the merciless nature of the encounter.

bloody encounter

Highlights the bloodshed and physical harm involved in the clash.

savage battle

Emphasizes the uncontrolled and ruthless nature of the fighting.

intense skirmish

Downplays the scale and intensity compared to "clash", suggesting a smaller, more localized conflict.

vicious struggle

Highlights the spiteful nature of the struggle.

bitter struggle

Shifts focus to the emotional and prolonged nature of the conflict.

violent collision

Changes from a sustained conflict to a sudden, forceful impact.

FAQs

How can I use "brutal clash" in a sentence?

You can use "brutal clash" to describe violent confrontations, such as "The protest escalated into a "brutal clash" between demonstrators and police".

What words are similar to "brutal clash"?

Similar terms include "violent confrontation", "fierce conflict", or "bloody encounter", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "brutal clash" formal or informal?

"Brutal clash" is suitable for neutral and formal contexts, commonly found in news reports and analytical writing. It is less appropriate for casual conversation.

Can "brutal clash" be used metaphorically?

While primarily used to describe physical altercations, "brutal clash" can be used metaphorically to describe intense disagreements or power struggles. However, ensure the context justifies the strong imagery it evokes.