potential for conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

"potential for conflict" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the possibility or likelihood of a conflict or disagreement arising between two or more parties. Example: The new policies have the potential for conflict between management and employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's potential for conflict.

The New York Times

The potential for conflict is clear.

The Guardian - Film

Infantino played down the potential for conflict.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course there is potential for conflict.

The New York Times

"But there is potential for conflict with China.

The New York Times

There will be serious potential for conflict over habitable land.

The Guardian

The potential for conflict was evident from the start.

The Guardian

"There was the potential for conflict," Mr. Gooding said.

The New York Times

The filing noted the potential for conflict in such payments.

The New York Times

She warns of the potential for conflict over food.

Independent

Analysts say that the potential for conflict is huge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing future plans or policy changes, use "potential for conflict" to proactively address possible points of contention and plan mitigation strategies.

Common error

Don't dismiss seemingly minor disagreements. These can escalate and lead to bigger problems. Acknowledge early warning signs to avoid a "potential for conflict".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potential for conflict" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a situation or condition where disagreements or disputes are likely to occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "potential for conflict" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe situations where disagreements or disputes are likely to arise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in a variety of contexts, from news reporting to academic writing. While alternatives like "risk of conflict" and "likelihood of conflict" exist, "potential for conflict" offers a balanced and widely understood phrasing. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential for overlooking subtle indicators of conflict and use this expression to proactively address and mitigate possible issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risk of conflict

Focuses on the element of danger or negative outcome associated with the possibility of disagreement.

likelihood of conflict

Emphasizes the probability or chance that a conflict will occur.

possibility of discord

Replaces "conflict" with "discord", highlighting a lack of harmony or agreement.

prospect of confrontation

Suggests a more direct and potentially hostile form of conflict.

seeds of conflict

Implies the existence of underlying issues that could lead to future conflict.

breeding ground for conflict

Emphasizes the conditions or environment that foster conflict.

room for disagreement

Highlights the existence of differing opinions or perspectives.

area of contention

Pinpoints a specific subject or issue that is likely to cause conflict.

source of friction

Indicates an element that causes tension or difficulty in a relationship or situation.

basis for dispute

Highlights the foundation or reason upon which a conflict could arise.

FAQs

How can I use "potential for conflict" in a sentence?

You can use "potential for conflict" to describe situations where disagreements or disputes might arise. For example, "The merger has the potential for conflict between departments".

What are some alternatives to "potential for conflict"?

Alternatives include "risk of conflict", "likelihood of conflict", or "possibility of discord".

Is it correct to say "potential of conflict" instead of "potential for conflict"?

While "potential of conflict" might be understood, "potential for conflict" is the more standard and grammatically accepted phrasing.

What's the difference between "potential for conflict" and "existing conflict"?

"Potential for conflict" describes a situation where conflict might arise in the future, while "existing conflict" refers to a conflict that is already happening.