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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
competing interests
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"competing interests" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe situations in which two parties are competing for or against something, such as in a court case, or in business dealings. For example, "The two companies had competing interests in the merger, and were unable to reach an agreement."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
conflicting priorities
divergent interests
opposing agendas
conflicting interests
competing priorities
contending interests
contradictory interests
divergent goals
agenda conflict
competing considerations
difference of opinion
incompatible objectives
multiple conflicts
several disagreements
contentious issues
divergent constituencies
diverse stakeholders
key conflicts of interest
major conflicts of interest
key areas of interest
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
All must juggle competing interests.
News & Media
"That led to competing interests.
News & Media
Competing interests.
Competing interests EJ.
Competing interests None.2.2
Science
Competing interests: none.
Competing interests The authors declare they have no competing interests.
Science
Competing interests The authors have no competing interests.
MD: declares no competing interests.
ML: declares no competing interests.
I have no competing interests.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In business negotiations, acknowledge "competing interests" early to foster open communication and facilitate compromise.
Common error
Avoid simply stating "no competing interests" without thorough examination. Ensure all potential conflicts, financial or otherwise, are considered and addressed.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "competing interests" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies situations where different entities have conflicting objectives or advantages. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
28%
Formal & Business
22%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "competing interests" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes situations where different parties have conflicting goals or advantages. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and business. When using this phrase, especially in formal writing, it is important to be transparent and specific about the nature of the conflicts. Consider alternatives like "conflicting priorities" or "divergent interests" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Awareness and clarity are key to effective communication regarding "competing interests".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
competing priorities
Indicates the prioritization creates a conflict.
conflicting priorities
Emphasizes the conflict arising from different priorities rather than general interests.
divergent interests
Highlights the diverging nature of the interests at play.
opposing agendas
Focuses on the planned actions and goals that are in opposition.
clashing perspectives
Highlights the differences in viewpoints rather than the interests themselves.
rival interests
Indicates that the interests are in direct competition or rivalry.
antagonistic interests
Suggests a more adversarial relationship between the interests.
contending interests
Highlights the struggle or competition between the interests.
contesting interests
Focuses on the act of contesting or challenging certain interests.
differing objectives
Emphasizes the difference in the goals being pursued.
FAQs
How can I use "competing interests" in a sentence?
You can use "competing interests" to describe situations where different parties or entities have conflicting goals or advantages. For example: "The company had to balance the "competing interests" of its shareholders and employees."
What's a good alternative to "competing interests"?
Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "conflicting priorities", "divergent interests", or "opposing agendas".
In academic writing, how should I declare "competing interests"?
Be transparent and specific. Clearly state any financial, personal, or professional relationships that could be perceived as influencing your work. If there are none, state "The authors declare no "competing interests"."
What is the difference between "conflicting interests" and "competing interests"?
While similar, "competing interests" often implies a direct rivalry or contest, whereas "conflicting interests" may simply indicate differing or opposing concerns without necessarily implying active competition.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested