catalyst for conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "catalyst for conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person, event, or situation that provokes or accelerates conflict or disagreement. Example: "The new policy served as a catalyst for conflict among the employees, leading to heated debates during meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"However, we have no wish to be a catalyst for conflict between the city of Cape Town and the WPRFU.

The Guardian - Sport

The 2014 report updates that language, calling climate change a "catalyst for conflict" — a phrase intentionally chosen, the report's authors said, to signal that climate change is an active, driving force in starting conflict.

The New York Times

Describing climate change as a not just a "threat multiplier," but now - even worse - a "catalyst for conflict", the study concluded that environmental impacts from climate change in coming decades: ".... will aggravate stressors abroad, such as poverty, environmental degradation, political instability and social tensions - conditions that can enable terrorist activity and other forms of violence".

The Guardian

Across the political divide, the People's Alliance for Democracy, which ran last year's anti-Thaksin rallies, came back to life this month and threatens protests if the junta breaks its promise to root out Thaksinism.One catalyst for conflict is a new constitution, the first draft of which, written by a group largely chosen by the generals, was completed on April 17th.

The Economist

Natural Resources: A Catalyst for Conflict and Peace?

Springer

In a statement the Premiership champions said they had "no wish to be a catalyst for conflict".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Instead, climate change impacts are already accelerating instability in vulnerable areas of the world and are serving as catalysts for conflict".

The Guardian

Whether a long-term vulnerability or sudden shock, the film unpacks how water and food shortages, extreme weather, drought, and sea-level rise function as accelerants of instability and catalysts for conflict.

HuffPost

'Non-lethal' weapons tend to be used at an early stage of a conflict and may actually serve as a catalyst for the conflict.

European Parliament

Jana is the catalyst for inevitable conflict between the story's two antler-locking males.

The New York Times - Books

The catalyst for their conflict is Christopher, a young black patient who believes that oranges are blue and that Idi Amin is his father.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "catalyst for conflict", ensure that the context clearly identifies what specific element is initiating or exacerbating the conflict. Provide supporting details to illustrate the causal relationship.

Common error

Avoid portraying the "catalyst for conflict" as the sole cause of the conflict. Recognize that conflicts often have multiple contributing factors, and the catalyst is simply the element that triggers or accelerates the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catalyst for conflict" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific element that initiates or accelerates a conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "catalyst for conflict" effectively describes something that triggers or exacerbates conflict. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, as well as scientific and formal business contexts. While there are several alternative phrases, such as "trigger for conflict" or "source of conflict", the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When using this phrase, it's crucial to identify the specific element initiating or accelerating the conflict and avoid overstating its role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trigger for conflict

Replaces 'catalyst' with 'trigger', focusing on the initiation of the conflict.

impetus for conflict

Similar to 'catalyst', but emphasizes the driving force behind the conflict.

spark for conflict

Uses 'spark' instead of 'catalyst', highlighting the sudden beginning of a conflict.

fuel for conflict

Emphasizes the intensification or worsening of a conflict.

source of conflict

Shifts the focus to the origin or root of the conflict.

instigator of conflict

Focuses on the agent or entity that starts the conflict.

reason for conflict

Highlights the underlying cause of the conflict.

root cause of conflict

Highlights the fundamental underlying reason for the conflict.

pretext for conflict

Implies a deceptive or hidden motive for the conflict.

contributing factor to conflict

Emphasizes the role of multiple elements in causing the conflict.

FAQs

What does "catalyst for conflict" mean?

A "catalyst for conflict" is a person, thing, or situation that triggers, accelerates, or intensifies a conflict. It's the element that sets off a chain reaction leading to dispute or confrontation.

How can I use "catalyst for conflict" in a sentence?

You can use "catalyst for conflict" to describe something that instigates or worsens a dispute. For example: "The new policy served as a "catalyst for conflict" between management and employees."

What are some alternatives to "catalyst for conflict"?

Alternatives to "catalyst for conflict" include "trigger for conflict", "source of conflict", or "reason for conflict". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a catalyst of conflict" instead of "catalyst for conflict"?

While "catalyst of conflict" might be understood, "catalyst for conflict" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing. It clearly indicates that the catalyst is acting in relation to the conflict.