internal conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

'internal conflict' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a struggle between two conflicting emotions or desires that a character experiences within themselves. For example, "The main character was struggling to resolve her internal conflict between her longing for freedom and her desire to stay rooted in the familiar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leaders have been made accountable, international law developed, strengthened, clarified and made applicable to internal conflict.

The Guardian

Harris acknowledged his internal conflict.

The New York Times

"It risks projecting Colombia's internal conflict into the neighboring countries".

The New York Times

Here my desperate internal conflict began to brew.

The New Yorker

With this transformation have come both risk and internal conflict.

The New York Times

It is a violent acting out of internal conflict.

The New York Times - Magazine

This proposition will turn into a Palestinian internal conflict".

The New York Times

The third was an internal conflict within COPINH.

The Guardian

Internal conflict does get revealed in verbal slips.

The New York Times

Clearly, the surge has helped to dampen the internal conflict.

The New York Times

Turkey is in an internal conflict with Kurdish insurgent groups.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about characters, use "internal conflict" to add depth and realism to their motivations and actions. Make sure the conflict is well-defined and has clear stakes for the character.

Common error

Avoid using "internal conflict" when you actually mean external conflict, which is a struggle between a character and an outside force. Internal conflict happens within a character's mind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "internal conflict" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of struggle occurring within an individual or entity, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples, such as "Harris acknowledged his internal conflict".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "internal conflict" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a struggle within an individual or entity. Ludwig AI confirms it as a correct and usable phrase in written English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, be mindful of the distinction between "internal conflict" and external conflict, and consider alternatives like ""inner turmoil"" or ""psychological struggle"" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

internal discord

Highlights the lack of harmony and agreement within oneself.

inner turmoil

Focuses on the emotional distress and agitation within a person.

emotional battle

Conveys the intensity and difficulty of managing conflicting emotions.

psychological struggle

Emphasizes the mental effort and strain involved in resolving opposing thoughts or feelings.

moral dilemma

Highlights a situation where a choice must be made between conflicting ethical principles.

ethical conflict

Focuses on a conflict between different moral principles or values.

personal crisis

Indicates a critical turning point in someone's life, often involving significant internal conflict.

spiritual struggle

Emphasizes the internal conflict related to one's faith or spiritual beliefs.

identity crisis

Describes a period of uncertainty and questioning about one's sense of self.

cognitive dissonance

Refers to the discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or values.

FAQs

How is "internal conflict" typically used in literature?

In literature, "internal conflict" is often used to drive the plot and reveal a character's true nature. It can involve a character struggling with their conscience, desires, or beliefs. For example, a character might experience a "moral dilemma".

What are some common causes of "internal conflict"?

Common causes include conflicting values, unresolved trauma, fear of failure, and the need to make difficult choices. These can lead to significant "inner turmoil".

How does "internal conflict" differ from external conflict?

"Internal conflict" is a struggle within a character's mind, while external conflict involves a character's struggle against an outside force, such as another character, society, or nature. A story can have both types of conflict.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "internal conflict"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use phrases like "psychological struggle", "emotional battle", or "internal discord".