confrontation of ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

"confrontation of ideas" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
The phrase is used to describe a situation in which two or more people express different opinions, beliefs, or ideas. For example: The meeting resulted in an engaging confrontation of ideas between the two sides.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

George Will had an interesting passing remark early on in his interview with Brett Tomlinson -- "our current understanding of partisan journalism". The idea of journalism as a high-minded confrontation of ideas is a relatively modern concept.

Princeton University

To me this symbolizes the "Clash of Civilizations" that professor Samuel Huntington described so eloquently in 1993, less than five years after the end of an epic confrontation of ideas with the former Soviet Union.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If we think in terms of conversation rather than confrontation, exchange of ideas rather than argument, we will find our better angels there for guidance.

HuffPost

How intellectuals wrestled with the confrontation of western ideas and technology.

Harvard University

Penny is currently tussling with the American alt-right in a classic confrontation of modern ideas; we have lots of powerful women in politics now, but it's hard to think of anyone in the Westminster or Edinburgh parliaments who would perform this role.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Intentional Conversations (in which I have been an active participant), begun by the Skirball Institute on American Values and now sponsored by Marymount College in Palos Verdes, California, stress communication over confrontation and exchange of ideas over argument and sloganeering.

HuffPost

If you want a definition of good drama, this is it: the confrontation of two ultimately irreconcilable ideas both eloquently stated.

The Guardian

By this he means its values, the most important of which is a monopoly on state power.Behind Russia's confrontation with the West lies a clash of ideas.

The Economist

They were like the big adolescents of your family – provocative, but in the French spirit, in the Parisian spirit of debates and confrontation through ideas.

The Guardian

A press release announcing the coalition's formation last week emphasized that it was "not looking for a confrontation with the governor" but instead "a healthy exchange of ideas".

The New York Times

But while most China-threat theorists worry about conventional military and economic forms of danger and confrontation, Mr. Halper sees the challenge more as one of ideas, as part of a kind of global culture war.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "confrontation of ideas" to describe situations where different viewpoints are directly challenged and debated, especially in academic or intellectual contexts.

Common error

While "confrontation of ideas" accurately portrays direct intellectual opposition, consider using alternatives like "exchange of ideas" or "discussion of ideas" when the interaction is more collaborative or exploratory rather than combative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confrontation of ideas" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation where different ideas or viewpoints clash. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to describe situations where differing opinions are expressed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "confrontation of ideas" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe scenarios where differing viewpoints clash, particularly in academic, news, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and illustrative examples showcase its application in describing intellectual debates and discussions. While a useful term, it's important to consider the specific context and select more appropriate alternatives, such as "exchange of ideas" when describing more collaborative interactions. Analyzing usage patterns reveals its prevalence in news, academia, and science, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflict of ideas

This alternative focuses on the clashing nature of different viewpoints.

disagreement of ideas

This highlights the lack of consensus and differing opinions.

clash of ideas

This alternative uses a more forceful term to describe the opposition between ideas.

debate of ideas

This focuses on a formal discussion and exchange of different viewpoints.

struggle of ideas

Emphasizes the effort and competition involved in promoting different ideas.

war of ideas

This phrase describes intense, often ideological, opposition between different thought systems.

collision of ideas

Suggests a sudden and impactful interaction between different concepts.

contest of ideas

This phrase relates ideas with the competition involved when opposing viewpoints

contradiction of ideas

Highlights the logical inconsistency between different viewpoints.

comparison of ideas

This highlights the process of comparing ideas and their characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "confrontation of ideas" in a sentence?

Use "confrontation of ideas" to illustrate scenarios when different beliefs and standpoints face direct debate. For example, "The academic conference sparked a significant confrontation of ideas regarding climate change policies".

What are some alternatives to "confrontation of ideas"?

You can use alternatives like "conflict of ideas", "disagreement of ideas", or "clash of ideas" depending on the context.

Is "confrontation of ideas" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "confrontation of ideas" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts where intellectual debates are discussed.

What is the difference between "confrontation of ideas" and "exchange of ideas"?

"Confrontation of ideas" implies a more direct and challenging opposition between viewpoints, while "exchange of ideas" suggests a more collaborative and open discussion.