friction between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "friction between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of tension or discord between two or more parties. For example, "Tension between the city's residents and police officers has grown in recent months, creating friction between the two groups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is causing friction between the pair.

The Guardian - Sport

The homes contribute to friction between residents and the tribe.

The New York Times

"Is there friction between these alien races?" asked Sam.

The Guardian - Books

Tells about the friction between old and new residents.

The New Yorker

This seems set up to cause friction between fisheries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Blood recalls the friction between the teams on this point.

The Guardian - Tech

There was friction between Marino and his coach, Jimmy Johnson.

The New York Times - Sports

That leaves ample room for friction between I.M.F.

The New York Times

Wherever you go, you see the friction between them".

The New York Times

The violence came out of friction between rival gangs.

The Guardian

Would this increase or reduce friction between people and groups?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "friction between", ensure you clearly identify the parties involved to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "there's friction", specify "there's "friction between" the residents and the city council".

Common error

Avoid using "friction between" when referring to a single entity's internal conflict. The phrase inherently implies a relationship (or lack thereof) between two or more distinct parties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "friction between" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of tension or antagonism. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, highlighting its ability to convey strained relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "friction between" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe tension or discord between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's versatile and appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing, ensure you clearly identify the involved parties and avoid using it for internal conflicts within a single entity. Consider alternatives like "conflict between" or "tension among", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. By understanding its proper usage and context, you can effectively communicate strained relationships in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Conflict between

This suggests a more active and direct opposition.

Clash between

This suggests a direct confrontation or conflict of interests.

Tension among

This phrase emphasizes the stress or strain existing within a group.

Discord among

This highlights a lack of agreement or harmony.

Strain in relations between

This specifies a weakening or damaging of the connection.

Hostility between

This highlights an unfriendly and aggressive relationship.

Antagonism between

This describes a deep-seated animosity or hostility.

Rivalry between

This implies a competitive relationship, potentially leading to friction.

Disagreement between

This emphasizes a difference in opinion or perspective.

Bad blood between

This phrase evokes a long-standing feud or animosity.

FAQs

How can I use "friction between" in a sentence?

You can use "friction between" to describe tension or conflict arising from differing interests or perspectives. For example, "The new policy created "friction between" the management and the employees".

What are some alternatives to "friction between"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "conflict between", "tension among", or "discord among".

Is it correct to say "friction among" instead of "friction between"?

While "friction between" is used for distinct entities, "friction among" can work when referring to elements within a group. However, "friction between" remains more common and clearer when two specific groups are involved.

What causes "friction between" groups?

Differences in values, competing interests, lack of communication, or perceived unfairness often cause "friction between" groups. These underlying issues need to be addressed to reduce the tension.