serious clash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious clash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or intense conflict or disagreement between parties, whether in a personal, political, or social context. Example: "The serious clash between the two rival factions escalated into a full-blown confrontation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Lawmakers also face a serious clash over the administration's request to increase the federal debt limit.

The New York Times

At the centre of the piece, there's a serious clash of philosophies.

Independent

"In our normal life," Singer writes, "there is no serious clash of interests between human and nonhuman animals".

The New York Times - Magazine

The farmer would point out that even vegans have a "serious clash of interests" with other animals.

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps the most serious clash with the faculty occurred this year, after Yale joined with the National University of Singapore to create a campus in Singapore.

The New York Times

The Battle of Edgehill, the first serious clash of the English Civil Wars, was fought in Warwickshire near the Oxfordshire border in 1642.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

No serious clashes were reported.

The New York Times

The prospect now looms of more serious clashes in Hong Kong.

The Economist

But on Friday, serious clashes began early in the morning.

The New York Times

Until late last week, the southern Rift valley escaped serious clashes.

The Guardian

No serious clashes with the guerrillas were reported.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious clash" to describe situations where there's a significant and potentially impactful conflict, whether it's physical, ideological, or political. This phrase adds weight to the disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "serious clash" for minor disagreements or trivial disputes. This phrase carries a significant weight, and overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Reserve it for conflicts of real consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious clash" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a significant confrontation or disagreement. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting its flexibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious clash" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe significant conflicts or disagreements, often with weighty implications. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reporting to encyclopedic entries, though it is most frequently encountered in the news and media. While generally neutral in register, it conveys a sense of importance and gravity, making it suitable for emphasizing the severity of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major confrontation

Emphasizes the scale and directness of the conflict.

intense conflict

Highlights the high degree of animosity and engagement.

fierce opposition

Focuses on the strength and determination of opposing forces or ideas.

significant disagreement

Underlines the importance and impact of the differing views.

heated dispute

Draws attention to the emotional and potentially volatile nature of the disagreement.

grave altercation

Indicates a severe and potentially consequential disagreement or confrontation.

critical conflict

Suggests the conflict is decisive and of great importance.

severe contention

Highlights the intensity and persistence of the disagreement.

major disagreement

Highlights a substantial difference in opinion or action.

stark divergence

Emphasizes the clear and distinct separation of opinions or paths.

FAQs

How can I use "serious clash" in a sentence?

You can use "serious clash" to describe a significant disagreement or conflict between two or more parties. For example, "The proposal led to a "serious clash" between the management and the union."

What are some alternatives to "serious clash"?

Alternatives to "serious clash" include "major confrontation", "intense conflict", or "fierce opposition". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "serious clash" a formal or informal expression?

"Serious clash" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in news reports and analytical writing rather than casual conversation.

What's the difference between "serious clash" and "minor disagreement"?

"Serious clash" describes a significant conflict with potentially far-reaching consequences, while "minor disagreement" refers to a small, often easily resolved difference of opinion. The phrase "minor disagreement" does not imply significant repercussions.