conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a struggle between opposing forces or groups, such as two countries, two political parties, or two people. For example: "The countries are trying to resolve the conflict through diplomacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"International unity will collapse and the path to conflict will widen".

The Guardian

Perhaps even more worrying to Mr. Assad, his military has come to rely more heavily on equipment designed for a major battle with a foreign enemy, namely Israel, rather than a protracted civil conflict with his own people.

The New York Times

Related: What are the possible solutions to the Syria conflict?

The Guardian

Shortly before the meeting the council issued a statement expressing "grave concern at the continued fighting in and around Debaltseve" and demanded that all parties to the conflict cease hostilities immediately.

The Guardian

But there's no conflict, because everyone knows what the deal is.

The Economist

The reason for this conflict, Schelling explained, was that not wearing a helmet conferred a slight advantage on the ice; crucially, it gave the player better peripheral vision, and it also made him look fearless.

The Economist

Levin seems to be saying that this means there's a conflict of interest between the casino and the bettor, and that it's illegitimate for the casino to take the bet.

The Economist

But scandals that conflict with a person's public image can wreak havoc.

The Economist

But the conflict showed the limits of social networks when you have two antagonistic societies at war with each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

Breen, currently writing his personal story of life as a policeman during the conflict, said: "I had approached numerous RUC officers who were keen to leave a living record of what went on in their fight against terrorism over the years.

The Guardian

Her fate was all the more harrowing because the IRA murder squad that came to kill her dragged her away from her screaming, crying children in a rundown flats complex in 1972, the bloodiest year of the conflict.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conflict" to describe situations ranging from minor disagreements to major armed struggles, adjusting your language to reflect the intensity.

Common error

Do not use "conflict" without specifying the context or parties involved. Vague references can confuse readers and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The word "conflict" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "conflict" is a versatile noun used to describe disagreements, struggles, or incompatibilities, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its frequency in news and media highlights its relevance in discussing ongoing disputes worldwide. While grammatically correct, using specific details and avoiding vague references will enhance clarity. Alternatives like "disagreement", "struggle", and "dispute" can be used depending on the context. Understanding its function and purpose allows for effective communication in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disagreement

Focuses on the lack of consensus or harmony between parties.

struggle

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in overcoming opposition.

dispute

Emphasizes a formal or legal disagreement.

clash

Suggests a brief but intense confrontation.

contention

Implies a strong disagreement or competition.

friction

Indicates tension or animosity between parties.

discord

Stresses the lack of harmony or agreement.

hostility

Highlights the antagonistic nature of the relationship.

rivalry

Suggests a competitive relationship between parties.

warfare

Emphasizes the intensity and scope of the conflict.

FAQs

How to use "conflict" in a sentence?

You can use "conflict" to describe a disagreement or struggle between people, groups, or nations. For example, "The ongoing "conflict between Israel and Palestine" has caused significant suffering."

What can I say instead of "conflict"?

You can use alternatives like "disagreement", "struggle", or "dispute" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "conflict" or "conflicts"?

"Conflict" is singular, referring to a single instance, while "conflicts" is plural, referring to multiple instances. For example, "The "cause of the conflict" is complex" versus "There are many "underlying conflicts" in the region."

What's the difference between "conflict" and "dispute"?

"Conflict" generally refers to a broader and potentially more intense struggle, while "dispute" often implies a specific disagreement that may be resolved through negotiation or legal means. "Disputes arise" over specific issues; "conflicts involve" deeper, more complex antagonisms.