conflict escalation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conflict escalation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the process by which a conflict intensifies or becomes more severe. Example: "The negotiations broke down, leading to a significant conflict escalation between the two parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

While data collection focused on conflict escalation, some respondents spoke about their experiences of de-escalating conflict, including using communication skills and making time for difficult conversations: Time, patience and respect.

Archives of Disease in Childhood

Challenges in dealing with intra-group dynamics; and causes of inter-group conflict escalation.

Harvard University

Partisan Misperceptions and Conflict Escalation: Survey Evidence from a Tribal/Local Government Conflict.

Harvard University

This game will be used as part of a research effort toward studying conflict escalation and strategic stability of nations.

University of California, Berkeley

"Partisan Misperceptions and Conflict Escalation: Survey Evidence from a Tribal/Local Government Conflict". KSG Faculty Research Working Papers Series RWP02-013, March 2002.

Harvard University

While developing countries can acquire nuclear weapons, they lack the elaborate system of command and control that limited the risk of nuclear accident and conflict escalation in countries like the United States and the Soviet Union.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Kapur counters with a process-based approach stressing the specific pathways that lead to conflict and escalation.

Columbia University

Sadly, it looks as if that too will be denied.A few weeks ago there seemed a slight chance that the conflict's escalation, and spreading dangers, would persuade outsiders with influence to make the painful move from spectator to partner.

The Economist

If they choose, Russian and U.S. leaders may use back channels to clearly convey what they see as their core interests, to explore potential areas of cooperation, and to try to mitigate conflict or escalation.

The Washington Post

Her first book, "No Turning Back: Life, Loss, and Hope in Wartime Syria," taps this network to trace the conflict's escalation from uncertain protests to intractable regional war, all told through characters that imbue the account with a personal tone.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some that the conflict's escalation is in the interests of the West, which is unhappy about Armenia joining Russian President Vladimir Putin's integration project, the Eurasian Economic Union, in October.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international relations or political science, use "conflict escalation" to refer to the increasing intensity and severity of disputes. Be specific about the factors contributing to this escalation.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice, which can obscure agency and responsibility. Instead of saying, "Conflict escalation was caused by...", specify who or what initiated the escalation: "The political leader's inflammatory rhetoric caused conflict escalation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conflict escalation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the process by which a conflict intensifies. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in various contexts, as Ludwig AI confirms it is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conflict escalation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes the process of a conflict becoming more intense. Ludwig's analysis shows that it appears frequently in academic, news, and scientific contexts, signaling its relevance across different fields. To ensure clarity and precision, avoid using passive voice when describing the causes of "conflict escalation" and consider semantically related alternatives like "escalation of conflict" or "intensification of conflict" when appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escalation of conflict

Reverses the word order, maintaining the core meaning but slightly altering the emphasis.

intensification of conflict

Replaces "escalation" with "intensification", focusing on the increasing severity of the conflict.

worsening of conflict

Emphasizes the deteriorating state of the conflict.

heightening of tensions

Focuses on the increasing tension as a precursor to full-blown conflict.

aggravation of hostilities

Highlights the worsening of aggressive actions and antagonism.

outbreak of violence

Shifts the focus to the emergence of physical violence from the conflict.

rise in conflict severity

Directly addresses the increasing seriousness of the conflict situation.

increase in conflict intensity

Focuses on the growing strength and forcefulness of the conflict.

growing conflict

A simplified phrase emphasizing the ongoing expansion of the conflict.

conflict exacerbation

Uses a more formal term, "exacerbation", to describe the worsening of the conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "conflict escalation" in a sentence?

You can use "conflict escalation" to describe a situation where a conflict is becoming more intense or severe. For example, "The intervention of external powers led to a rapid "conflict escalation" in the region."

What are some alternatives to "conflict escalation"?

Alternatives include "escalation of conflict", "intensification of conflict", or "worsening of conflict". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "conflict escalation" and "outbreak of violence"?

"Conflict escalation" refers to the process of a conflict becoming more intense, while "outbreak of violence" describes the moment when the conflict turns physical or aggressive. "Conflict escalation" can lead to an "outbreak of violence".

Is "conflict escalation" always negative?

Generally, yes. "Conflict escalation" typically describes a negative progression in a dispute, indicating that it is becoming more dangerous or destructive. However, understanding the process of "conflict escalation" can be the first step in de-escalating it.