might clash with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might clash with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a potential conflict or disagreement between two ideas, opinions, or elements. Example: "The new policy might clash with existing regulations, leading to confusion among employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Is it because the document might clash with a haphazard interior design that includes a W.C. Fields movie poster?

The New York Times

And battles continue to erupt in government agencies over how to communicate research findings that might clash with administration policies.

The New York Times - Science

Some diplomats fear that Syrian Islamists could ride to power amid the turmoil, imposing an agenda that might clash with Western goals.

The New York Times

Though he applauded the notion of creating nutritional options, the chef pointed out that one man's concept of healthy and sustainable nourishment might clash with another's.

The New York Times - Food

Government ministers are warier: repudiating the convention would enrage the Lib Dems, weaken Britain's voice as a defender of human rights and might clash with Britain's EU membership.

The Economist

She has a risky theory to propound about Forde's true place in their history, a theory that might clash with the academy's official order of events.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Like "Easy Rider," it's putting yourself against a backdrop that might clash a bit with your personal culture.

The New York Times - Magazine

We often in our roles as government or business officials tend to forget the fact we are part of that collective individual group and sometimes the views that we might hold in one respect might actually clash with our interests as an individual.

The Guardian

Those two concepts sometimes conflict with each other, so two people with opposing views might clash and offend each other.

Vice

A bullish mayor running schools might well clash with Mr Gove's national fief at the Department for Education, farther up the Thames at Westminster.Much of this is political jostling.

The Economist

Initiatives approved by citizens might also clash with existing law or hamstring leaders trying to advance the public good.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might clash with" to introduce a potential issue or disagreement, rather than stating it as a definite fact, maintaining a balanced and objective tone. This approach is especially useful in professional or academic writing where neutrality is important.

Common error

Avoid using "might clash with" when the conflict is already known and certain. In such cases, use stronger verbs or phrases that indicate a definite conflict, like "directly opposes" or "contradicts". Using "might" can undermine the severity of the conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might clash with" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a possibility or potential for conflict or disagreement between two or more entities, ideas, or actions. It introduces uncertainty while highlighting a potential problem, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might clash with" is a useful phrase to indicate a potential conflict or incompatibility in a variety of contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, and science. While adaptable to both formal and informal writing, understanding its function and purpose will help in using it most effectively. By avoiding overstatements and considering the specific context, writers can ensure their message is clear and accurate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could conflict with

Expresses possibility of direct opposition or inconsistency.

may be incompatible with

Highlights a potential lack of harmony or suitability.

might be at odds with

Suggests a potential disagreement or contradiction.

could be in opposition to

Indicates a possible direct contrast or resistance.

may run counter to

Implies a potential divergence or contradiction in direction.

might be inconsistent with

Highlights a potential lack of uniformity or agreement.

could create friction with

Suggests potential tension or conflict arising from differences.

may prove discordant with

Indicates a potential lack of harmony or agreement, often in a more formal context.

might generate contention with

Suggests a potential for argument or dispute.

could cause dissonance with

Implies a potential lack of agreement or harmony, often in a more abstract or conceptual sense.

FAQs

How can I use "might clash with" in a sentence?

Use "might clash with" to indicate a potential disagreement or conflict between two things. For example, "The new regulations "might clash with" existing company policies".

What are some alternatives to "might clash with"?

You can use alternatives like "could conflict with", "may be incompatible with", or "might be at odds with" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "might clash with" in formal writing?

Yes, "might clash with" is suitable for formal writing. It's a professional way to point out a potential disagreement or conflict. However, ensure the tone matches the context and avoid overuse.

What is the difference between "might clash with" and "clashes with"?

"Might clash with" indicates a possibility or potential conflict, while "clashes with" indicates an existing or certain conflict. The choice depends on whether the conflict is hypothetical or already occurring.