inevitable conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inevitable conflict" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a situation in which conflict is unavoidable or certain to happen. Example: In a society with such diverse beliefs and values, it is almost inevitable that there will be conflicts over certain issues.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our staying only delays this inevitable conflict.

The New York Times

A leader needs the negotiation processes skill for the inevitable conflict resolution in any organization.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Leopold advocated a policy of neutrality aimed at keeping Belgium from the seemingly inevitable conflict.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The traditionalists, however, were simply lining up their forces for the inevitable conflict.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There is an inevitable conflict between two distinct social values" — privacy and free speech, Schrage said.

The New Yorker

APPROACHES The inevitable conflict in green investing arises over the screening process.

The New York Times

We are told that Western/Christian and Muslim/Arab civilizations are heading towards inevitable conflict.

Columbia University

Jana is the catalyst for inevitable conflict between the story's two antler-locking males.

The New York Times - Books

This does not mean, however, that there is an inherent or inevitable conflict between utility and beauty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor does China's rising economic and military power mean inevitable conflict, as fatalistic doomsayers in both countries are arguing.

The New York Times

His subsequent works were acute psychological studies of what he considered to be the inevitable conflict between the sexes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add even more impact, try to identify the factors that make the conflict "inevitable". Describe those elements clearly to support your assertion and avoid it becoming a mere statement.

Common error

Avoid using "inevitable conflict" in situations where the conflict is simply probable or likely, rather than truly unavoidable. Overusing the term weakens its impact and suggests a lack of nuance in understanding the situation. Reserve it for scenarios with deeply entrenched causes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inevitable conflict" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "inevitable" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "conflict". It describes a situation or event where disagreement or opposition is unavoidable. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

19%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inevitable conflict" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase signifying that a conflict is unavoidable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is suitable for use in written English, appearing frequently in news, encyclopedias, and academic sources. While its core meaning remains consistent, variations such as "unavoidable clash" or "certain confrontation" can be used to adjust the specific nuance. To maximize clarity and impact, specify the conditions that make the conflict "inevitable", and avoid overuse in situations where the conflict is merely probable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unavoidable clash

Replaces "conflict" with "clash", suggesting a more sudden or forceful confrontation.

inescapable conflict

Emphasizes the impossibility of avoiding the conflict.

unpreventable discord

Uses "discord" instead of "conflict", highlighting a lack of harmony.

certain confrontation

Focuses on the assuredness of the confrontation.

predestined struggle

Adds a sense of fate or destiny to the conflict.

foreordained dispute

Similar to "predestined struggle" but uses more formal vocabulary.

unavoidable antagonism

Replaces "conflict" with "antagonism", emphasizing mutual hostility.

inescapable friction

Uses "friction" to suggest ongoing tension rather than a specific event.

destined conflict

Highlights the fated nature of the conflict.

certain collision

Suggests a head-on clash that cannot be averted.

FAQs

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

You can use "inevitable conflict" to describe situations where clashes are unavoidable, such as "The differing interests of the two companies led to an "inevitable conflict"".

What are some alternatives to "inevitable conflict"?

Alternatives include phrases like "unavoidable clash", "inescapable conflict", or "certain confrontation", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "an inevitable conflict" or should it be phrased differently?

The phrase "an inevitable conflict" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The use of the article "an" is appropriate because "conflict" is a countable noun.

What makes a conflict truly "inevitable"?

A conflict is "inevitable" when the underlying conditions, such as deep-seated differences or opposing goals, make it virtually impossible to prevent a clash. It suggests that the forces at play are so strong that a conflict is unavoidable.