clashes

USAGE SUMMARY

"clashes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to conflicts between two sides. For example: "The clashes between the two countries showed how serious their disagreement was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although the TDIC said the report showed that improvements had been made, this August saw violent clashes among migrant labourers, reportedly provoked by the deportation of strikers and the hiring of "scab" workers.

The Guardian

Nine militants died in clashes against the locals, who were armed with clubs, machetes and bows and arrows.

The Guardian

At least 82 people, primarily protesters, were killed in clashes in the capital, Kiev, last week.

The Guardian

It says: Several rockets fell on various neighbourhoods in Deir el-Zour, clashes are also taking place across the city between regime forces and armed rebel battalions, the clashes were accompanied by explosions.

The Guardian

Clashes between the Syrian army and the FSA are breaking out day and night.

The Guardian

His turbulent playing career was marred by clashes with authority, his erratic behaviour and candour quickly marking him out as a 'bad boy'.

The Guardian - Sport

Sara's diary is a reflection of the perils in the city she lives in – Karachi – where an average of eight people are killed in assassinations and clashes between rival factions every day.

The Guardian

An international report has found that Ukrainian investigations into the deadly clashes that took place during the 2013-14 Euromaidan protests in Kiev have failed to hold law enforcement officials to account.

The Guardian

A series of clashes between high-profile MPs from the main political parties will take place at the next general election, after the boundary review unveiled bigger than expected changes to England's parliamentary constituencies.

The Guardian

Several of the candidates who ran against Lukashenko were arrested and the top opposition leader, Vladimir Neklyaev, was forcibly taken from the hospital where he was being treated after he and two other candidates were beaten during clashes with government forces.

The Guardian

The closest town to normality in the region was Mariupol, scene of violence on 9 May when pro-Ukrainian forces entered the town and clashes broke out in which unarmed people were shot.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on events involving "clashes", provide context about the underlying causes and the parties involved to enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "clashes" to describe simple disagreements or differences of opinion. Reserve it for situations involving genuine conflict or opposition, where there's a clear sense of confrontation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clashes" is as a plural noun, referring to instances of conflict or confrontation. Ludwig AI supports this function with examples illustrating its use in various contexts, indicating its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clashes" functions as a plural noun denoting conflicts or confrontations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, particularly within News & Media and Sport contexts. While adaptable, it’s most precise when describing actual points of conflict, not mere disagreements. Alternatives include ""conflicts"" or ""skirmishes"". Remember to use "clashes" to describe scenarios with direct opposition or confrontation to convey meaning most effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicts

Indicates a more general state of discord or opposition, potentially broader than physical confrontations.

skirmishes

Refers to brief or limited fights, often part of a larger conflict.

confrontations

Emphasizes the act of facing someone or something, implying a direct encounter but not necessarily violent.

hostilities

Suggests a state of war or active conflict, often used in formal contexts.

battles

Denotes a sustained fight between opposing forces, implying a significant engagement.

disputes

Refers to disagreements or arguments, which may or may not escalate into physical conflict.

altercations

Indicates heated arguments or fights, often occurring suddenly and unexpectedly.

quarrels

Suggests petty arguments or disagreements, typically between individuals.

standoffs

Refers to situations where opposing parties are locked in a stalemate, often involving a tense atmosphere.

friction

Describes tension or animosity between people or groups, not necessarily resulting in open conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "clashes" in a sentence?

You can use "clashes" to describe conflicts or confrontations between groups. For example, "There were violent "clashes" between protesters and police."

What are some synonyms for "clashes"?

Alternatives to "clashes" include "conflicts", "skirmishes", and "confrontations", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "clashes" to describe a debate?

While "clashes" typically refers to physical or violent conflicts, it can be used metaphorically to describe a heated debate or disagreement, but ensure the context conveys a strong sense of opposition.

What's the difference between "clashes" and "disagreements"?

"Clashes" imply a direct and often intense confrontation or conflict, while "disagreements" refer to differences in opinion or perspective that may not necessarily involve hostility.