clash of ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

"clash of ideas" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when two people or groups have different thoughts or opinions about a topic. For example, "The clash of ideas between the two candidates made for an engaging debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was a classic clash of ideas.

The New York Times

What is politics without the clash of ideas?

The New York Times

Its clergymen are tossed around in the clash of ideas.

The Guardian - Books

Beyond the clash of ideas, the battle is also personal.

The New York Times

This argument represents a true clash of ideas.

The New York Times

"We need the clash of ideas," said Mr. King.

The New York Times

Whatever else distinguishes this election, it will not be marked by a clash of ideas.

The Economist

Politics is about values, the clash of ideas and the resolution of conflicting views.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The clash of ideas and of values is a central part of the modern liberal vision of a good society.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps this opportunity will afford him a glimpse of the clash of ideas that routinely take place in American universities.

Huffington Post

Eighty years later Franklin D. Roosevelt welcomed the clash of ideas and personalities that attend duplication and overlapping responsibilities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates that differing opinions or viewpoints are in contention.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid using "clash of ideas" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using "conflict of opinions" or "battle of perspectives" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clash of ideas" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation where contrasting viewpoints or concepts are in contention. As evidenced by Ludwig, this expression is used to convey disagreement or opposition in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clash of ideas" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe situations where differing viewpoints or concepts are in contention. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It functions neutrally across various registers, with its primary purpose being to describe, explain, and analyze disagreements, particularly in news, academic, and business contexts. While the phrase is frequently used, writers should vary their language to avoid repetition, considering alternatives like ""conflict of opinions"" or ""battle of perspectives"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflict of opinions

Highlights the disagreement between different viewpoints.

intellectual disagreement

Highlights the intellectual nature of the disagreement.

disagreement of principles

Focuses on disagreements related to core principles or values.

battle of perspectives

Emphasizes the competitive nature of differing viewpoints.

competing ideologies

Suggests that different ideologies are in competition with each other.

opposition of beliefs

Emphasizes the opposing nature of the different beliefs.

ideological struggle

Focuses on the conflict between different belief systems or ideologies.

intellectual confrontation

Highlights the confrontation or direct opposition of intellectual ideas.

contending viewpoints

Suggests that viewpoints are actively competing against each other.

divergence of thought

Focuses on the separation and difference in ways of thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "clash of ideas" in a sentence?

You can use "clash of ideas" to describe a situation where different viewpoints or opinions are in conflict. For example: "The debate was a real "clash of ideas" between the candidates."

What can I say instead of "clash of ideas"?

You can use alternatives like ""conflict of opinions"", ""battle of perspectives"", or "ideological struggle" depending on the context.

Is "clash of ideas" a formal or informal phrase?

"Clash of ideas" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate for describing situations in news, academic discussions, or debates.

What's the difference between "clash of ideas" and "difference of opinion"?

"Clash of ideas" suggests a more active and potentially contentious disagreement, while "difference of opinion" simply indicates that there are differing viewpoints without necessarily implying conflict.