conflicts

USAGE SUMMARY

"conflicts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to disputes, clashes, or disagreements between two or more people, groups, or nations, or the discordant elements in an individual's life. Example: There are numerous conflicts throughout history that have led to major social and political changes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, instead of looking at the fundamentals of the securities themselves, they simply assumed that they could rely on the credit ratings the ratings agencies bestowed, even though those agencies' conflicts of interest were well-known.

The Economist

But, Abu Ahmed recalled, the jailers had a very different impression of Baghdadi – they saw him as a conciliatory and calming influence in an environment short on certainty, and turned to him to help resolve conflicts among the inmates.

The Guardian

The prime minister underlined the government would not allow Australian "jihadists" fighting in overseas conflicts back into the country.

The Guardian

It has also unleashed a new scramble for oil, minerals and cropland that is accelerating deforestation and fuelling a new wave of land conflicts from Colombia to Chile.

The Guardian

There, the boundary between war and peace is blurred; "frozen conflicts" is a synonym for wars without end.

The Guardian

If Missouri or any other American state with similar conflicts – racial, religious, political, whatever – have any hope of healing, it lies with those who are serious and sturdy enough to ditch their petrified opinions, to embrace complexity and to absorb facts that make them uneasy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The threat of violence from new and ongoing conflicts displaced 11 million people inside their own countries in 2014, bringing the total number of internally displaced people (IDPs) worldwide to 38 million, a report has said.

The Guardian

He said his experience of conflicts and meeting war correspondents "leads me to suggest, controversially, that it is just a little bit possible that they are not all entirely saintly at every minute of the day.

The Guardian

With hostilities in Ukraine rumbling on and the battle against Islamic State far from over, there is always the risk that one of the world's simmering conflicts will burst into life.

The Guardian - Business

However, transparency groups said such roles risked creating the appearance of conflicts of interest, even if no such conflict actually existed.

The Guardian

Conflicts between al-Jazeera and the Egyptian authorities after the Brotherhood's overthrow in July forced the broadcaster to shut the offices of its Arabic and English divisions, and its employees to operate without accreditation – one of several charges laid against the journalists on Wednesday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conflicts", specify the type of conflict (e.g., "political conflicts", "internal conflicts") to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "conflicts" vaguely. Always provide context to specify what kind of conflicts are being discussed to maintain clarity and relevance for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "conflicts" is as a plural noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting multiple instances of disagreement, struggle, or incompatibility. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "conflicts" is a versatile plural noun widely used to describe various forms of disagreement, opposition, or struggle. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical function is primarily as a subject or object, and it's frequently employed in news and media to inform and describe contentious situations. While generally neutral, its register can become more formal in academic or professional settings. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify the type of "conflicts" being referenced. Avoid vague usage to maintain relevance and precision in your writing. Alternatives include "disputes", "clashes", and "struggles", each offering nuanced shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disputes

Focuses on disagreements and arguments.

clashes

Emphasizes direct confrontations or battles.

struggles

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in disagreements.

discord

Suggests a lack of harmony or agreement.

contention

Implies a strong disagreement or competition.

friction

Suggests tension and animosity between parties.

hostilities

Refers to acts of war or aggression.

antagonism

Highlights active opposition or dislike.

rivalries

Emphasizes competition and opposition between individuals or groups.

wars

Specifically refers to armed conflicts between nations or groups.

FAQs

How can I use "conflicts" in a sentence?

"Conflicts" can be used to refer to disagreements, battles, or incompatibilities. For example, "The region has been plagued by numerous "political conflicts"".

What are some alternatives to the word "conflicts"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "disputes", "clashes", or "struggles".

Is it correct to say "conflict" instead of "conflicts"?

The singular form "conflict" refers to a single instance of disagreement, while "conflicts" refers to multiple instances. Choose the form that matches the context of your sentence.

What's the difference between "conflicts" and "tensions"?

"Conflicts" often imply active opposition or disagreement, whereas "tensions" suggest underlying strain or potential for conflict. "Tensions" can exist without overt "outbreaks of conflicts".