ethnic conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

"ethnic conflict" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing conflicts or tensions between different ethnic groups. Example: The country was torn apart by ethnic conflict, with violence and discrimination rampant between the two main ethnic groups.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Fears of ethnic conflict are growing.

The Economist

[2] Thomas Ambrosio, "Ethnic Conflict and International Politics".

The New York Times

That deadly ethnic conflict has resurfaced recently.

The New York Times

Once ethnic conflict breaks out, it is difficult to stop.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ethnic conflict is thus similar to other political interest conflicts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Violent ethnic conflict leads to tremendous human suffering.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The war is not purely an ethnic conflict, however.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But this is unfortunately the reality of how inter-ethnic conflict plays out.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Immediately after that we had the inter-ethnic conflict in June.

BBC

" It was an inter-ethnic conflict where one group stayed in while the other went out.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

But if ethnic conflict breaks into more serious violence, the country could break apart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ethnic conflict" when describing situations where ethnicity is a primary factor in the dispute, distinguishing it from other forms of conflict.

Common error

Be wary of oversimplifying the causes of "ethnic conflict". These conflicts are often multifaceted, with historical, economic, and political factors at play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethnic conflict" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify and categorize specific types of conflict where ethnicity is a central factor. Ludwig examples show its use in describing historical events, current events, and academic analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

28%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ethnic conflict" is a well-established term used to describe conflicts arising from ethnic divisions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and academic discussions. When using this phrase, it is important to provide specific details and avoid generalizations to ensure clarity and accuracy. Related phrases like "ethnic strife" and "ethnic discord" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. Furthermore, be aware that while "ethnic conflict" is often associated with violence, it can also refer to underlying tensions and disputes that have not yet escalated into physical confrontation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiethnic conflict

Highlights that the conflict involves multiple ethnic groups.

ethnic strife

Emphasizes the struggle and hardship caused by ethnic divisions.

ethnic discord

Highlights the lack of harmony and agreement among ethnic groups.

ethnic confrontation

Emphasizes a direct and often hostile encounter between ethnic groups.

ethnic controversy

Focuses on disputes and disagreements related to ethnic issues.

indigenous conflict

Focuses on conflicts specifically involving indigenous populations.

ethnic war

Implies a full-scale armed conflict between ethnic groups.

ethnic conflagration

Suggests a large-scale, destructive conflict involving ethnic groups.

sectarian conflict

Focuses on conflict arising from religious or ideological differences within ethnic groups.

cultural conflict

Broadens the scope to include clashes of cultures, not strictly ethnicity.

FAQs

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

You can use "ethnic conflict" to describe situations where disagreements or violence arise between different ethnic groups. For instance, "The country's history is marred by repeated episodes of "ethnic conflict"".

What are some synonyms for "ethnic conflict"?

Alternatives include "ethnic strife", "ethnic discord", or "intergroup conflict", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "ethnic conflict" when the conflict is also about resources?

Yes, "ethnic conflict" can still be an appropriate term even if resource competition is a factor. Often, "ethnic tensions" are exacerbated by struggles over resources, making ethnicity a key dimension of the conflict.

What's the difference between "ethnic conflict" and "political conflict"?

"Ethnic conflict" specifically involves clashes between ethnic groups, whereas "political conflict" refers to disputes over power or governance. However, these can overlap when political power is distributed along ethnic lines.