cause of conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause of conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the reason or factor that leads to a disagreement or dispute between parties. Example: "The cause of conflict in the negotiations was a fundamental disagreement over resource allocation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In fact, religion is rarely the specific cause of conflict.

The New York Times

The underlying cause of conflict, however, is often the same.

The Economist

Water can act as a secondary cause of conflict as well.

The Guardian

The second cause of conflict in the state of nature is the preemptive version of this.

Yale University

"Everyone recognizes that this is the root cause of conflict in Sudan," he said.

The New York Times

Most are conducted within countries, since ethnic rivalry has been the most common cause of conflict.

The Economist

He called for religious harmony across the globe, saying that faith was depicted as the cause of conflict.

The Guardian

But the underlying cause of conflict persists – the British government's claim of jurisdiction over a part of Ireland.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the Caucasus region, autonomy was seen as "a root cause of conflict" and a driver for secession.

The Washington Post

Militant Palestinians and Lebanese know that a captured Israeli soldier or civilian is either a cause of conflict or a valuable bargaining chip for prisoner exchange.

The Guardian - Opinion

In all the world, there's only one swimmer who's been a cause of conflict between three of the world's most powerful navies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex issues, use "cause of conflict" to clearly identify the specific factor leading to disagreement or dispute. This helps to maintain focus and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cause of conflict" in situations where a simpler term like "problem" or "issue" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause of conflict" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies the specific reason, factor, or origin that leads to disagreement, dispute, or strife. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause of conflict" is a versatile term used to pinpoint the origin of disagreements and disputes across various domains. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage make it a reliable choice for clear communication. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. For more nuanced writing, consider alternatives like "source of conflict" or "root of conflict" to fine-tune your message. Avoiding overuse in overly simplistic contexts will ensure that your writing remains impactful and concise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

source of conflict

Focuses on the origin from which the conflict arises.

root of conflict

Emphasizes the fundamental, underlying reason for the conflict.

reason for conflict

Directly states the rationale or explanation behind the conflict.

origin of conflict

Highlights the beginning or starting point of the conflict.

basis for conflict

Indicates the foundation or justification upon which the conflict is built.

impetus for conflict

Focuses on the driving force or initial motivation for the conflict.

underlying factor in conflict

Highlights a less obvious, but significant, element contributing to the conflict.

trigger for conflict

Emphasizes the event that immediately initiates the conflict.

mainspring of conflict

Highlights the fundamental reason for the conflict.

genesis of conflict

Focuses on the creation and initial development of the conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "cause of conflict" in a sentence?

The phrase "cause of conflict" is used to identify the reason or source of a disagreement. For example: "The primary "cause of conflict" between the parties was the distribution of resources".

What are some alternatives to "cause of conflict"?

Some alternatives include "source of conflict", "root of conflict", or "reason for conflict". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cause of conflict" or "reason for conflict"?

Both "cause of conflict" and "reason for conflict" are correct and often interchangeable. "Cause" may imply a deeper, more fundamental origin, while "reason" can refer to a more immediate or superficial explanation.

Can "cause of conflict" refer to a person?

While less common, "cause of conflict" can refer to a person if their actions or presence directly lead to disagreement or dispute. For example: "His controversial statements became the "cause of conflict" within the team".