clash of interests

USAGE SUMMARY

"clash of interests" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a situation where two or more individuals, groups, or entities have opposing or conflicting interests. Example: The negotiations between the company and the striking workers were stalled due to a clash of interests. The workers were demanding higher wages, while the company was focused on cutting costs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There is a clash of interests".

The Guardian

The current clash of interests is over Syria.

The New York Times

This clash of interests is highlighted by the Ukrainian crisis.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, given the clash of interests among Mediobanca's shareholders, who would want to get involved?

The Economist

A case or controversy did not exist, even though the "clash of interests [was] real and..

Cornell University

The growing popularity of such companies has generated a clash of interests.

University of California, Berkeley

"In our normal life," Singer writes, "there is no serious clash of interests between human and nonhuman animals".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The questions raised by movies about the topic -- whether in the romantic emo manner of "Her" or the clash-of-interest spectacle of "Transcendence" -- will occupy society and the filmmakers who draw inspiration from it, and as a result they'll occupy our movie screens.

Los Angeles Times

"There could be a clash of interest, I think".

Independent

"Some of it is philosophical debate, but most of it is the clash of interest groups," he said.

The New York Times

There is no such thing as an agreed "common sense" which can deal with every clash of interest or conflict of rights.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the situation you are describing genuinely involves conflicting interests, not just differing opinions or preferences. The term implies a more fundamental incompatibility.

Common error

Avoid using "clash of interests" to describe simple disagreements or differences of opinion. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the conflicting interests are significant and consequential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clash of interests" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation characterized by opposing or conflicting objectives. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, backed by numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

29%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clash of interests" is a versatile and widely used term that effectively describes situations involving opposing goals or needs. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It functions as a noun phrase and maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to academic discussions. While alternatives like "conflict of interests" exist, "clash of interests" remains a clear and appropriate choice for conveying the idea of conflicting objectives. Be sure to use this phrase when the opposing goals are significant and well-defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflict of interests

Emphasizes the conflicting nature of the interests involved, often implying ethical concerns.

collision of interests

Highlights the direct and forceful opposition between interests.

divergence of interests

Focuses on the separation and differing directions of the interests.

contention of interests

Suggests a level of argument or dispute over the interests.

discord of interests

Implies a lack of harmony and agreement among the interests.

interests at odds

Highlights that interests are in disagreement or opposition.

competing interests

Focuses on the rivalry and struggle between the interests.

opposing interests

Simply states that the interests are set against each other.

conflicting priorities

Highlights that the interests are not necessarily at odds but may compete for resources and time.

interests in opposition

Indicates that the interests are actively resisting each other.

FAQs

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

Use "clash of interests" to describe a situation where two or more parties have conflicting or opposing interests. For example, "The negotiations failed due to a significant "clash of interests" between the union and management."

What's a more formal way to say "clash of interests"?

A more formal alternative to "clash of interests" is "conflict of interests". While both phrases describe opposing interests, "conflict of interests" often implies ethical concerns, while "clash of interests" may simply refer to opposing goals or priorities.

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

You can use alternatives like "competing interests", "divergence of interests", or "interests at odds" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "clash of interests" and "conflict of interest"?

While similar, "conflict of interest" usually implies an ethical breach, where someone's personal interests compromise their professional duties. "Clash of interests" is a broader term that simply describes opposing or incompatible interests, without necessarily implying wrongdoing.