open conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "open conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a clear and active disagreement or hostility between parties. Example: "The negotiations broke down, leading to an open conflict between the two countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This situation often led to open conflict.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The following year, open conflict spread southward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The economic flashpoints alone could easily flare into open conflict.

The New York Times

Mr. Weidmann and Mr. Draghi have avoided open conflict.

The New York Times

The world is a long way from open conflict.

The Economist

A descent into open conflict is no longer unthinkable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Colombia responded by playing down the threat of open conflict.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Pérez's death threatened to bring about an open conflict.

The New Yorker

Sometimes he was in open conflict with his editorial staff, who often paid him little respect.

The New York Times

"It's clear that both sides have chosen the path of war, open conflict," he said.

The New York Times

Despite some frictions, Mr. Sharon has consistently avoided open conflict with the administration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "open conflict", ensure the context clearly indicates that the disagreement or hostility is overt and not concealed. It's best suited for situations where the conflict is publicly acknowledged or easily observable.

Common error

Avoid using "open conflict" when describing situations involving passive-aggressive behavior or hidden tensions. The phrase implies a visible and direct clash, not underlying or unspoken issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open conflict" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a situation where disagreement or hostility is overt and active, rather than hidden or passive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "open conflict" is a commonly used phrase to describe visible and active disagreements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While the phrase carries a neutral tone, writers should be mindful of the level of overtness when describing conflicts and avoid using it for more subtle disputes. Remember to consider alternatives like "direct confrontation" or "public dispute" for nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outbreak of hostilities

Focuses on the commencement of active, often military, conflict.

state of war

Emphasizes the formal condition of belligerence between parties.

direct confrontation

Highlights the immediate and face-to-face nature of the conflict.

active combat

Underscores the presence of physical fighting and warfare.

overt antagonism

Stresses the undisguised and apparent hostility between entities.

declared hostilities

Similar to 'outbreak of hostilities' but highlights an official declaration.

frontal assault

Implies a head-on, aggressive approach in the conflict.

unconcealed opposition

Emphasizes that the disagreement or resistance is not hidden.

public dispute

Highlights that the conflict is known and visible to the public.

full-scale battle

Suggests a large and intense engagement in the conflict.

FAQs

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

The phrase "open conflict" is used to describe situations where disagreements or hostilities are overt and clearly visible. For example: "The negotiations failed, leading to an "open conflict" between the parties involved."

What are some alternatives to "open conflict"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "direct confrontation", "outbreak of hostilities", or "public dispute" as alternatives to "open conflict".

Is it appropriate to use "open conflict" in a business context?

Yes, "open conflict" can be used in a business context to describe situations where disagreements between employees, departments, or companies become public or disruptive. However, consider the formality of the communication and whether a less inflammatory term might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "open conflict" and "disagreement"?

"Disagreement" refers to a difference of opinion, while "open conflict" implies a more active and visible state of opposition or hostility. A disagreement may remain private or unresolved, but an "open conflict" is typically public and actively pursued.