sharp clash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp clash" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a strong disagreement or conflict between ideas, opinions, or groups. For example, "The sharp clash between the two political factions led to heated debates." Alternative expressions include "intense conflict" and "fierce disagreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

What is unfolding before our very eyes is a sharp "clash of perceptions".

The Guardian - Opinion

Along the way he experienced the sharp clash between grimy industrial cityscapes and rolling, rural greenery, quickly developing a passion for the latter.

The New York Times - Arts

WASHINGTON — The Senate engaged in a sharp clash on Thursday over the nature of national security in the modern age as lawmakers debated whether a new arms control treaty with Russia would enhance nuclear stability or dangerously undercut American defenses.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush spoke as word reached Washington of a sharp clash, surely the sharpest so far in this second Persian Gulf war, near Nasiriya, a strategically important city between Basra and Baghdad.

The New York Times

Some of the most arresting passages in Mr Segev's account lay bare not only the disagreements within Israel's cabinet, but also the sharp clash of culture and mentality between Israel's cautious, elderly leaders and the new state's youthful generals.Their difference in outlook had surfaced earlier, as Israel began to face a wave of Palestinian military raids.

The Economist

A brashly American tale of love and murder, Jack Beeson's irresistibly dramatic "Lizzie Borden" is a piece that gains strength not only from its famously lurid story (father, stepmother, angry daughter, axe) but also from its sharp clash of neo-Romantic and Expressionist styles.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Racine doggedly pursued all three, though he had sharp clashes with the third group, who were mostly friends of his great rival, the older dramatist Pierre Corneille.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But there were sharp clashes over Mr. Gorton's plan to privatize some Social Security investments and over campaign finance reform.

The New York Times

But there were at least two short, sharp clashes between police officers and demonstrators, where the officers used pepper spray and what appeared to be a form of anti-riot gas or smoke grenades and charged into protesters beating them with long sticks.

The New York Times

The protesters worried that the killing might be a sign that they are no longer free to express controversial views, or pursue the most outlandish lifestyles, without fearing for their personal safety.Despite the speedy condemnation of the murder by most Muslim organisations, it could still provoke a sharper clash.

The Economist

The Lebanese port city of Tripoli has suffered some of its sharpest clashes in months between Alawite and Sunni militants, Lebanese news outlets reported.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp clash" to describe conflicts involving clearly defined opposing viewpoints or forces, especially where the contrast is sudden and noticeable.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "sharp clash" in very informal settings. Simpler terms like "argument" or "disagreement" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp clash" functions as a noun phrase, where "sharp" modifies the noun "clash". It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a specific instance of conflict or disagreement. Ludwig confirms that the expression is valid.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharp clash" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe an intense and noticeable conflict. According to Ludwig, it's often found in news and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for objective reporting. While versatile, it's best used when emphasizing a clear and sudden disagreement, and perhaps less appropriate in informal settings. Common alternatives include "intense conflict" and "fierce disagreement". Ludwig AI confirms the validity and provides multiple examples of its use in reputable sources, making it a reliable expression for describing conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense conflict

Replaces "sharp" with "intense", emphasizing the strength of the conflict.

fierce disagreement

Substitutes "clash" with "disagreement" and "sharp" with "fierce", focusing on the disagreement aspect.

heated confrontation

Uses "confrontation" instead of "clash", suggesting a direct and possibly aggressive encounter.

bitter dispute

Emphasizes the negative and resentful nature of the conflict.

strong collision

Replaces "clash" with "collision", highlighting a forceful impact of opposing forces or ideas.

acute disagreement

Emphasizes the severity and intensity of the disagreement.

severe conflict

Replaces "sharp" with "severe", indicating a serious and potentially damaging conflict.

major confrontation

Highlights the significance and scale of the confrontation.

stark opposition

Focuses on the clear and distinct contrast or resistance between opposing sides.

marked divergence

Highlights the noticeable difference or deviation in opinions or paths.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp clash" to describe a sudden, intense disagreement or conflict, such as "The debate revealed a "sharp clash" between economic ideologies."

What are some alternatives to "sharp clash"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "intense conflict", "fierce disagreement", or "heated confrontation".

Is "sharp clash" too formal for everyday conversation?

While "sharp clash" is suitable for news reports and formal writing, consider using simpler terms like "argument" or "disagreement" in casual conversation.

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

"Sharp clash" implies a significant and noticeable conflict, while "minor disagreement" suggests a less intense and less impactful difference of opinion.