clashes of wills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clashes of wills" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations where two or more individuals or groups have conflicting desires or intentions, often leading to a confrontation or disagreement. Example: "The negotiations broke down due to the persistent clashes of wills between the two parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Soap operaish complications and clashes of wills, reminiscent of high-society period dramas like "Dinner at Eight," wreck both the party and Little Edie's matrimonial prospects.

The New York Times

Those partial to male vs. female clashes of wills should not be disappointed here: repertory offerings at the Festival Theater include "The Taming of the Shrew," opening May 26, and "The King and I," opening May 27, while the bill at the Tom Patterson Theater includes "Antony and Cleopatra," opening Aug. 28 (all preceded by several weeks of preview performances).

The New York Times

Her determination sometimes caused clashes of wills with Charles.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It was not a clash of armies, but a clash of wills; a contest to determine the meaning of America.

The Guardian

Pay attention to the rising and falling of individual and team confidence, the turning of momentum, the clashing of wills.

The New Yorker

But they do anticipate a clash of wills when it comes to creating the final scene of Don Juan.

The Guardian

In the early pages of the book, there is an almost audible clash of wills between Stein's divided selves.

The New Yorker

In language, his hallmark is corrosive metaphor; in dialogue, the clash of wills; in action, the protraction of unconscionable agonies.

The New York Times

A psychiatrist tells Mrs. Macaulay that indications are that she and her small daughter will have a clash of wills some day.

The New Yorker

But this fight may be a clash of wills more than a clash in styles, with both boxers seeking a showdown against either Trinidad or Joppy in September.

The New York Times - Sports

Its vignettes portray a classic clash of wills between an immovable object and an irresistible force that eventually melts into something like love.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clashes of wills" to describe situations where individuals or groups are in direct opposition due to conflicting desires, intentions, or goals. This phrase effectively conveys the intensity and personal nature of the conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "clashes of wills" when simply describing a difference of opinion. This phrase implies a significant and potentially antagonistic confrontation. Use more neutral terms like "disagreements" or "differences" when the situation doesn't involve strong personal investment or opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clashes of wills" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation involving strong opposition between individuals or groups, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clashes of wills" is a noun phrase used to describe situations characterized by intense opposition and conflicting desires between individuals or groups. As stated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it carries a weight that suggests a significant and personal confrontation. The phrase appears more frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts but is still relatively rare overall. When using the phrase, ensure the context warrants the implication of strong opposition, and consider alternatives like "conflicts of interest" or "disagreements" for more neutral situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

battles of wills

Implies a more intense and prolonged conflict than a simple disagreement.

contests of wills

Emphasizes the competitive nature of the conflict, framing it as a deliberate trial of strength.

conflicts of interest

Focuses on the conflicts arising from differing interests rather than direct opposition of desires.

disagreements

A more general term for lack of agreement, without necessarily implying a strong opposition.

power struggles

Highlights the competition for dominance or control as the cause of the conflict.

disputes

Focuses on specific disagreements or arguments, often in a legal or formal context.

ideological clashes

Specifies that the conflict stems from fundamental differences in beliefs or values.

discord

A more formal term for disagreement or lack of harmony.

personality conflicts

Highlights that the conflict arises from incompatible personalities rather than differing goals.

rivalries

Suggests an ongoing competition or animosity between individuals or groups.

FAQs

How can I use "clashes of wills" in a sentence?

The phrase "clashes of wills" is used to describe situations where individuals or groups have strong, opposing desires or intentions that lead to conflict. For example: "The negotiations failed due to persistent "clashes of wills" between the parties involved."

What's a good alternative to "clashes of wills"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "battles of wills", "conflicts of interest", or simply "disagreements".

Is "clashes of wills" formal or informal?

"Clashes of wills" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it implies a significant degree of opposition or conflict, so make sure it aligns with what you are intending to write.

What kind of situations are best described as "clashes of wills"?

The phrase "clashes of wills" works best when describing scenarios with direct conflict, such as political standoffs, intense personal disagreements, or negotiations where parties are strongly set on their desires. It suggest a deliberate, personal component to the opposition.