encourage conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encourage conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is promoting or fostering disagreement or competition, often in discussions about team dynamics or social interactions. Example: "In some cases, a healthy debate can encourage conflict that leads to innovative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Some also believe that politicians arm Tripoli's poor and encourage conflict to curry support and loyalty.

The New York Times

But Sturgeon insists her nationalism does not encourage conflict, it prevents it.

The Guardian

Aside from being a distraction, elections can also encourage conflict, especially in countries where arms remain rampant.

The New York Times - Arts

Parents who fail to intervene, play favorites or give their children labels that sow divisions — like "the smart one" and "the athlete" — can inadvertently encourage conflict.

The New York Times

Special attention is paid to the ways in which religious traditions encourage conflict, violence, and intolerance and also support human rights, ecumenical values, and mutual understanding.

Columbia University

Allocation of forest in a river basin is a complex management problem, with conditions that may encourage conflict, in particular among groups with different interests, due to the diversity of the objectives.

Ecological Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A select few electronics companies have energised the initiative to encourage conflict-free mining.

The Guardian

"He does not encourage conflicting views.

The Guardian - Opinion

Given that the Second Polish Republic was a multicultural state, German policies and propaganda also sought to create and encourage conflicts between ethnic groups, fueling tension between Poles and Jews, and between Poles and Ukrainians.

Wikipedia

It's a ridiculous process that encourages conflict and duplicity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The government will today propose the biggest overhaul of child maintenance for a decade, arguing that the current system encourages conflict between parents.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encourage conflict" in a professional setting, clarify the type of conflict you are promoting. Is it constructive debate or open disagreement? Make the intention clear to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "encourage conflict" without specifying the context. If the intention is to promote healthy debate, state that explicitly to prevent the impression that you are advocating for negativity or hostility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encourage conflict" functions primarily as a verb phrase followed by a noun, where "encourage" acts as a transitive verb taking "conflict" as its direct object. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts such as politics, family dynamics and business.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "encourage conflict" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies promoting or fostering disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use spans various contexts, from political discourse to family dynamics and business strategy. While generally neutral, the implications can be either positive (promoting healthy debate) or negative (instigating discord), necessitating careful contextualization. Related phrases include "foster disagreement" and "promote contention", offering nuanced alternatives for different scenarios. When employing "encourage conflict", clarity of intent is crucial to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoke conflict

Suggests eliciting or triggering a dispute.

trigger disputes

Implies initiating specific disagreements or quarrels.

foster disagreement

Indicates nurturing or cultivating differences of opinion.

fuel tensions

Emphasizes adding intensity to existing strained relations.

instigate discord

Suggests initiating disagreement or disharmony, often in a deliberate manner.

promote contention

Highlights the act of advancing or supporting arguments and disputes.

foment strife

Implies actively stirring up conflict, often with a negative connotation.

incite opposition

Focuses on provoking resistance or antagonism.

spark controversy

Suggests igniting public disagreement or debate.

stimulate debate

Focuses on encouraging discussion, which can involve conflict of ideas.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "encourage conflict" to sound more positive?

Consider using phrases like "promote debate", "foster discussion", or "stimulate critical thinking" depending on the specific context and desired outcome.

In what situations might it be appropriate to "encourage conflict"?

It can be appropriate to "encourage conflict" in settings where diverse opinions are needed to solve problems or innovate. For example, encouraging debate within a team can lead to better decision-making, but the conflict should be managed constructively.

What are some potential negative consequences of "encouraging conflict"?

If not managed well, "encouraging conflict" can lead to damaged relationships, decreased productivity, and a hostile work environment. It's important to establish clear guidelines and facilitate constructive communication.

What's the difference between "encourage conflict" and "mediate conflict"?

"Encourage conflict" means to promote or allow disagreements to arise, often with the aim of sparking discussion or innovation. "Mediate conflict" on the other hand, involves intervening in a dispute to help the parties reach a resolution.