dreadful conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dreadful conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation of intense disagreement or struggle that is particularly severe or distressing. Example: "The dreadful conflict between the two factions has led to significant loss and suffering in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Alison Phillips, the weekend editor of the Mirror, said: "We wanted a way of remembering that dreadful conflict in a way that was relevant and engaging to all our readers.

The Guardian

Throughout, these stories illustrate the dreadful conflict that settles over India and West and East Pakistan, the hastily divided area that resembled on the map "a broad-shouldered ape with two coconuts, one on its right shoulder, one under its left armpit".

The Guardian - Books

From the prime minister's view, if you look at the Syrian conflict thus far, we are talking about something around 93,000 people having lost their lives, about the use of chemical weapons - these are unacceptable things and it is important therefore that the international community works together to ensure that we get a political transition and that we bring this dreadful conflict to an end.

The Guardian

The experience drove Chilton to think more about the dreadful conflict that had made so many people simply disappear off the face of the Earth.

BBC

And yes, of course, I am also appalled by the human suffering in this dreadful conflict, but there is something really creepy about launching attacks on defenseless fruit trees.

Huffington Post

Moreover, when the issues at hand seem as perplexing as they often do in the case of this dreadful conflict, we are always on the verge of being mesmerized by uncertainty.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Not only was it bloody and chaotic itself; it was followed by dreadful ethnic conflict in the south of the country.

The Economist

The dreadful ongoing armed conflict with the FARC and ELN guerrillas has lasted for over 53 years and has left its mark in terrifying ways: According to a recent study, approximately 5.5 million victims overall, 2,683,335 are of which women and 1,163,218 are children under 12, have been affected in some way by this war.

Huffington Post

WHEN Desiderius Erasmus was born around 1466, the Christian West was on the brink of  a dreadful era of  religious conflict, pitting Catholics against various shades of Protestant Reformers.

The Economist

It seems obvious that military conflict takes a dreadful toll on the environment.

The Economist

In a conflict that has not been short of dreadful twists, this was by far the most shocking and most gruesome to date.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dreadful conflict", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. "Dreadful" emphasizes the unpleasant and distressing nature of the conflict. Ensure this aligns with your intended message and the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "dreadful conflict" excessively in contexts where the conflict is already widely known as sensational or shocking. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing seem overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dreadful conflict" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "dreadful" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "conflict". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The examples illustrate its use in describing severe disagreements and struggles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dreadful conflict" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that effectively conveys the severe and distressing nature of a conflict. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correct usage, and the provided examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist illustrate its application in various contexts. While "dreadful conflict" appears mainly in News & Media, considering alternatives such as "terrible conflict" or "horrific conflict" can provide nuanced expressions. Remember to avoid overuse in already sensationalized contexts to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible conflict

Replaces "dreadful" with "terrible", a synonym with a slightly less intense emotional connotation.

horrific conflict

Substitutes "dreadful" with "horrific", emphasizing the shocking and appalling nature of the conflict.

awful conflict

Replaces "dreadful" with "awful", suggesting a sense of dismay and unpleasantness.

tragic conflict

Substitutes "dreadful" with "tragic", highlighting the sorrowful and devastating consequences of the conflict.

devastating conflict

Replaces "dreadful" with "devastating", emphasizing the destructive impact of the conflict.

catastrophic conflict

Substitutes "dreadful" with "catastrophic", highlighting the disastrous nature of the conflict.

severe conflict

Replaces "dreadful" with "severe", focusing on the intensity and seriousness of the conflict.

bitter conflict

Substitutes "dreadful" with "bitter", emphasizing the acrimonious and resentful nature of the conflict.

gruesome conflict

Replaces "dreadful" with "gruesome", focusing on the repulsiveness of the conflict.

painful conflict

Substitutes "dreadful" with "painful", emphasizing the suffering and distress caused by the conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "dreadful conflict" to describe any severe and distressing disagreement or struggle. For example: "The "dreadful conflict" between the two nations has resulted in countless casualties".

What are some alternatives to "dreadful conflict"?

Alternatives include phrases like "terrible conflict", "horrific conflict", or "awful conflict", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the conflict's negative impact.

Is "dreadful conflict" a formal or informal expression?

"Dreadful conflict" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news reporting and descriptive writing. Its impact depends on the context and surrounding language.

What makes a conflict "dreadful"?

A conflict is considered "dreadful" when it causes significant distress, suffering, or devastation. The term emphasizes the unpleasant and alarming nature of the situation.