major confrontation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major confrontation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or intense conflict or clash between parties, whether in a personal, political, or social context. Example: "The two leaders faced a major confrontation during the summit, as their differing views on climate change became apparent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nearer home, there is a major confrontation.

The Guardian

In every major confrontation, the N.F.L. has crushed the union.

The New York Times - Sports

Many Taliban fighters, however, melted away without a major confrontation.

The New York Times

No major confrontation with the Taliban has happened since.

The New York Times - Magazine

I somehow think we'll avoid a major confrontation with Iran.

The New York Times

Egyptian universities seem to be heading for a major confrontation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Citizens United represents his first major confrontation with the court as president.

The New York Times

If you want to oppose the regime with your film you have a major confrontation.

The New York Times - Arts

The press conference, however, was dominated by immigration, which threatens a major confrontation between the parties.

The Guardian

And apparently, he wasn't intimidated in the first major confrontation of his first N.F.L. preseason camp.

The New York Times - Sports

Will Democrats be spoiling for another major confrontation over the FAA, come mid September?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "major confrontation" with more specific terms that describe the nature of clash (e.g. "trade war" in the commercial context, "territorial dispute" when referring to geographical claims, "legal battle" for law-related issues)

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "major confrontation" in everyday conversations can sound overly dramatic. Opt for more casual terms like "big argument" or "serious disagreement" for personal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major confrontation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a significant conflict or clash. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major confrontation" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes a significant conflict or clash. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. While alternatives like "significant clash" or "serious conflict" exist, "major confrontation" is most frequently found in news and media sources. When writing, be mindful of the formality and avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Remember, Ludwig's examples offer excellent insights into how to effectively use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant clash

This alternative uses more neutral language, replacing "confrontation" with "clash" and "major" with "significant".

serious conflict

Similar to "significant clash", this phrase emphasizes the gravity of the situation using "serious" instead of "major".

large-scale conflict

This alternative describes a conflict that is widespread and involves many parties.

intense standoff

This alternative suggests a more prolonged and potentially unresolved conflict.

critical showdown

This alternative highlights the decisive nature of the confrontation.

heated dispute

This suggests a verbal and possibly public disagreement.

fierce battle

This alternative implies a more physical and aggressive conflict.

head-on collision

This alternative suggests a direct and unavoidable clash.

bitter feud

This alternative suggests a long-standing and deeply personal conflict.

all-out war

This phrase indicates an extreme and unrestrained conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "major confrontation" in a sentence?

You can use "major confrontation" to describe a significant conflict or clash. For example, "The two nations are heading towards a "major confrontation" over trade policies."

What are some alternatives to "major confrontation"?

Alternatives include "significant clash", "serious conflict", or "intense standoff", depending on the context.

Is "major confrontation" too formal for everyday speech?

While grammatically correct, "major confrontation" can sound formal in casual settings. Consider using phrases like "big argument" or "serious disagreement" instead.

What is the difference between "major confrontation" and "minor disagreement"?

"Major confrontation" implies a significant and potentially impactful conflict, whereas "minor disagreement" suggests a small and easily resolved difference of opinion.