clashing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clashing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more things are in conflict or disagreement, often in terms of ideas, styles, or colors. Example: "The clashing colors of the room made it difficult to focus on the artwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead of the imaginative, integrated development plan drawn up by Charles Correa, the renowned Mumbai-based architect, the former mill-hub of Lalbaug-Parel is a soulless cram of skyscrapers, mall-to-mall carpeting and snarled traffic clashing with the tenements housing the dispossessed worker families.

The Guardian

✒Also a problem for Pym's candidacy is the fact that Flanders is the only woman among this elite corps of 11 on-air editors (as can be seen in the Mount Rushmore-like logo of The Editors, the hapless late-night BBC1 show – latest edition at 11.05pm tonight, daftly clashing with both Newsnight and Today at Conference on BBC2 – that supposedly showcases them).

The Guardian

This would, said Kreeger, allow the two to "develop a collective schedule" rather than a competitive one, spacing flights throughout the day rather than clashing at peak times.

The Guardian - Business

The Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the act over which Microsoft and the US are clashing, was introduced in 1986 by Ronald Reagan.

The Guardian - Tech

The Rangers defender Bilel Mohsni received a post-match red card after clashing with the Airdrie manager, Gary Bollan, following his team's 1-0 victory at the Excelsior Stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

Clashing capos Maroni and Falcone bring all-out war to the streets of Gotham in the first-season finale, unaware that it's all part of Penguin's scheme to create a power vacuum into which he can triumphantly waddle.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For Generation Rent this has led to a clashing of interests where, Hilton believes, there should have been a natural synergy.

The Guardian

Aim To use an ombré painting effect on the walls and clashing colour blocking to create a luxe boudoir.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leave the competing checks, the deliberately clashing colours and the oppositional prints (striped shirt with spotted tie) to the professionals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She makes smart look stupid (and back again) and is fearless in multiple ways: as a gobby libertarian, a doctor attending medical emergencies, a fashion junkie working clashing prints and colours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Set in the Ivory Coast on the eve of a civil war, her production Black Gold follows a British trader clashing with a cocoa farmer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing aesthetic disharmony, use "clashing" to vividly portray the jarring effect of mismatched colors, patterns, or styles. This adds a layer of sensory detail to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "clashing" when a milder term like "disagreeing" or "differing" would suffice. "Clashing" implies a significant conflict or incompatibility, not just a minor difference of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clashing" is as a present participle or gerund form of the verb "clash", often used to describe something that is in a state of conflict or disharmony. Ludwig AI confirms this widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "clashing" is a versatile verb phrase, commonly employed to depict conflict, disagreement, or incongruity. Predominantly featured in News & Media, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts. To avoid misapplication, remember that "clashing" implies a significant conflict. Alternatives include "conflicting" and "discordant". Use "clashing" to add vivid sensory detail to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting

Focuses on the presence of opposing or incompatible elements.

colliding

Emphasizes a physical or metaphorical impact between opposing forces.

discordant

Highlights a lack of harmony or agreement, especially in sounds or ideas.

incompatible

Stresses the inability of elements to coexist or function together effectively.

antagonistic

Indicates active opposition or hostility between entities.

dissonant

Similar to discordant, but often used in the context of music or aesthetics.

opposing

Directly indicates a state of being against or contrary to something else.

inconsistent

Implies a lack of uniformity or coherence, leading to disagreement.

at odds

Suggests a state of disagreement or conflict, often between people or groups.

contending

Focuses on the struggle or competition between opposing sides.

FAQs

How can I use "clashing" in a sentence?

"Clashing" can describe conflicting ideas, styles, or physical collisions. For example, "The "clashing opinions" of the board members led to a deadlock", or "The "clashing colors" made the outfit unappealing".

What are some alternatives to "clashing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "conflicting", "discordant", or "incompatible" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to use "clashing" to describe personalities?

Yes, "clashing" can effectively describe personalities that are incompatible or often in conflict. For example, "Their "clashing personalities" made it difficult for them to work together".

What is the difference between "clashing" and "competing"?

"Clashing" implies a direct conflict or disharmony, whereas "competing" suggests a rivalry or striving for the same goal. "Clashing" is more about incompatibility, while "competing" is about opposition in achieving a shared objective.