it fights with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it fights with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a conflict or struggle between entities, whether they are people, ideas, or things. Example: "The new policy it fights with the traditional methods of teaching, creating tension among the staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

One is reasonably forward-looking; the other is so stubborn it fights with its own customers over how to operate the engines.

Forbes

"It fights with the inner part of the rep," Ms. Egan said.

The New York Times

Man 1 (pointing at his dog) "And then it fights with him, and I'm not having that".

The Guardian

Rather, it seems that the overwhelming gender biases of the film industry at large have been unwittingly inherited by LGBT cinema, even as it fights, with growing success, to overturn other shortfalls in representation.

The Guardian - Film

It fights with the spinach and cheese, for example, but complements most of the sweet ones.

Los Angeles Times

(The very fact that Furiosa has a prosthetic arm — and, when she loses it, fights with the stump visible — points to the vulnerable flesh that renders violence as dramatic as it is horrific).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In May, in neighboring West Milford Township, a bear attacked and injured a man who had tackled the bear as it fought with his dog.

The New York Times

Mr. Ramezanzadeh said Iran had gathered documents relating to the war it fought with Iraq, from 1980 to 1988, including allegations that Mr. Hussein used chemical weapons.

The New York Times

I don't know… It's something I fight with myself about.

The Guardian

It's a battle I fight with myself every time I go out to eat.

The New York Times

If it's the wall color, then let everything else support it, not fight with it.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it fights with", ensure that the subject clearly represents something that can engage in a conflict, whether literal or metaphorical. For instance, 'the software fights with the operating system' is acceptable, while 'the table fights with the chair' is less so unless used in a highly figurative sense.

Common error

Avoid using "it fights with" when the subject lacks agency or the capacity for intentional opposition. For example, saying 'the color fights with the furniture' might be better phrased as 'the color clashes with the furniture' to avoid implying a deliberate struggle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it fights with" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating conflict or opposition. This is supported by examples in Ludwig, where the phrase is used to describe incompatible software or opposing forces.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it fights with" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate conflict or opposition between two entities. According to Ludwig, this expression appears frequently in News & Media contexts, but can be applied to a variety of situations. Though Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to ensure the subject of the phrase possesses agency or the capacity to engage in conflict. Alternatives such as "it clashes with" or "it conflicts with" can offer more nuance or formality depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it clashes with

Emphasizes a direct confrontation or incompatibility between two entities.

it conflicts with

Suggests a more inherent incompatibility or disagreement that leads to discord.

it struggles against

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved in opposing something.

it contends with

Highlights a competitive or challenging situation where effort is required.

it opposes

Indicates a clear and direct stance of resistance or disagreement.

it is at odds with

Suggests a fundamental disagreement or divergence in opinion or interest.

it wars with

Implies a protracted and possibly destructive conflict.

it is in opposition to

Formally expresses a state of being against or resisting something.

it acts against

Indicates actions taken to counteract or hinder something.

it runs counter to

Suggests a direct contradiction or opposition in direction or principle.

FAQs

How can I use "it fights with" in a sentence?

Use "it fights with" to describe a situation where something is in conflict or opposition with something else. For example: "The new software "it fights with" the existing operating system".

What are some alternatives to "it fights with"?

Alternatives to "it fights with" include "it clashes with", "it conflicts with", or "it opposes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "it fights with" or "it conflicts with"?

It conflicts with generally sounds more formal than "it fights with". "It fights with" is suitable for general use, while "it conflicts with" may be preferable in more professional or academic contexts.

How does "it struggles against" compare to "it fights with"?

It struggles against emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in the conflict, whereas "it fights with" simply indicates that a conflict is occurring. The former is more appropriate when highlighting the challenge faced.