clash with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clash with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conflict between two competing ideas, beliefs, or opinions. For example, "Her views on the economy clash with her party's platform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A clash with police ensued.

The New Yorker

One died in a clash with police.

The Economist

He also predicted our clash with Japan.

The New Yorker

Again, there was a clash with police.

The New Yorker

Elements of it clash with American sensibilities.

The New York Times - Magazine

That effort can clash with tradition.

The New York Times

Does it clash with its baronial surroundings?

The New York Times - Arts

Verdict: May clash with your purple azaleas.

The Washington Post

Property rights may clash with moral mandates.

The New York Times - Arts

There they clash with Israeli soldiers.

The New York Times

That won't clash with your grandson's scarf.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clash with" to describe situations where there is a direct and often forceful disagreement or opposition between entities, ideas, or forces. Be mindful of the intensity the phrase conveys and ensure it matches the context.

Common error

Avoid using "clash with" when a simpler term like "disagree with" or "differ from" would suffice. "Clash with" implies a more significant conflict, so reserve it for situations where the disagreement is substantial and potentially disruptive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clash with" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a state of opposition or conflict between two entities. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing disagreements, physical confrontations, and incompatible ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clash with" is a very common prepositional phrase used to describe situations of conflict or opposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media, it indicates a direct and often forceful disagreement, as seen in examples describing protests and ideological differences. While versatile, it is crucial to ensure the context warrants the intensity implied by the phrase, opting for milder alternatives like "disagree with" when appropriate. This guide provides insights into its usage, related phrases, and potential pitfalls, ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflict with

Replaces "clash" with a more general term for disagreement or opposition.

disagree with

Focuses on the lack of agreement between two parties or ideas.

be in conflict with

Similar to "conflict with" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the conflict.

be at odds with

Emphasizes a state of opposition or conflict.

be in opposition to

Highlights a direct contrast or resistance to something.

collide with

Implies a direct and forceful opposition or disagreement.

contend with

Suggests struggling against or competing with something.

be incompatible with

Focuses on the inability of two things to coexist harmoniously.

differ with

Emphasizes a difference in opinion or perspective.

be contrary to

Highlights the contradiction or opposition between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "clash with" in a sentence?

Use "clash with" to describe a situation where two things are in conflict or opposition, such as "His personal beliefs "clash with" company policy" or "The protesters "clashed with" the police".

What are some alternatives to "clash with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "conflict with", "disagree with", or "be at odds with".

Is it better to say "clash with" or "conflict with"?

"Clash with" often implies a more direct and forceful confrontation than "conflict with", but both are generally acceptable. The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of intensity you want to convey.

What's the difference between "clash with" and "disagree with"?

"Disagree with" suggests a difference of opinion, while ""clash with"" implies a more significant and potentially disruptive conflict or opposition. "They disagree with each other on politics" vs. "Their opposing ideologies "clash with" one another".