clash of titans

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clash of titans" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a battle between two powerful opponents. For example, "The clash of titans between Apple and Samsung has been going on for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

A clash of Titans?

The Guardian - Opinion

EGYPT'S looming presidential election will not be a clash of titans.

The Economist

It was hardly the clash of titans we'd been led to expect.

Independent

And now, in a literary clash of titans, one has squared off against the other.

The New York Times - Books

In any case, there's an assumed clash of titans and rival estates.

The Guardian

This was a clash of titans, played out spectacularly amid sheets of splashing water.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The Chelsea gallery scene regularly stages clashes of titans, but an especially elaborate cage match is under way right now.

The New York Times - Arts

The current feud between Apple and Adobe is like all clashes of titans, in that it's the little people who get hurt.

Forbes

There is an awful lot of clashing in "Clash of the Titans," but no Titans.

The New Yorker

Screenwriters Phil Hay (Clash Of The Titans) & Matt Manfredi (Clash of the Titans) have failed miserably at reinventing the comedy crime genre.

Huffington Post

Mark Kermode reviews new blockbuster Wrath of the Titans, sequel to the mega budget Clash of the Titans.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clash of titans" to describe situations where the participants are well-established and powerful, and the outcome carries significant weight.

Common error

Avoid using "clash of titans" for minor disagreements or competitions. It’s best reserved for scenarios with high stakes and significant participants.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clash of titans" functions as a noun phrase often used metaphorically. It vividly describes a major conflict or competition, typically between powerful and well-established entities. This phrase is considered grammatically correct and its usage is supported by examples Ludwig AI has provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clash of titans" effectively captures the essence of a major conflict or competition, particularly when powerful entities are involved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, mainly in News & Media. While alternatives like "battle of giants" or "epic confrontation" offer similar connotations, "clash of titans" provides a unique blend of drama and significance. Remember to reserve it for situations of genuine importance to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

battle of giants

Replaces 'titans' with 'giants', maintaining the sense of a large-scale conflict.

titanic struggle

Replaces 'clash' with 'struggle' and uses 'titanic' as an adjective, maintaining the original meaning.

struggle between giants

Similar to 'battle of giants' but with a focus on the effort involved.

showdown between powerhouses

Uses 'showdown' and 'powerhouses' to emphasize the competitive aspect and the strength of the participants.

epic confrontation

Focuses on the scale and drama of the conflict.

collision of forces

Emphasizes the impact and intensity of the conflict.

heavyweight clash

Uses a boxing metaphor to describe a significant competition.

contest of champions

Highlights the high level of skill and status of the competitors.

war of the worlds

Implies a conflict of significant scale and impact, often used metaphorically.

major rivalry

Simplifies the concept to a general state of competition between significant entities.

FAQs

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

You can use "clash of titans" to describe a major conflict or competition between powerful entities. For example, "The upcoming game is expected to be a "clash of titans" between the two best teams in the league."

What's a good alternative to "clash of titans"?

Alternatives include "battle of giants", "epic confrontation", or "showdown between powerhouses", depending on the context.

Is "clash of titans" formal or informal?

"Clash of titans" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more suitable for dramatic or descriptive writing.

Can "clash of titans" be used for non-competitive situations?

While primarily used for competitive scenarios, "clash of titans" can also describe significant disagreements or conflicts between powerful individuals or groups.