sibling rivalry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sibling rivalry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the competition or conflict between siblings, often regarding attention, resources, or parental approval. Example: "The constant sibling rivalry in their household made it difficult for the parents to maintain peace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sibling rivalry, of course.

The New York Times

Is there sibling rivalry?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

SIBLING rivalry has many famous examples.

The Economist

Sibling rivalry is rarely so explicit.

The New York Times

Angry sibling rivalry flares within both generations.

The New York Times

Is this a case of sibling rivalry?

The New York Times

Standard sibling rivalry between neighbouring countries?

Independent

"It's like a sibling rivalry," he said.

The New York Times

Might some sibling rivalry creep in?

The Guardian - Music

They have not, however, dimmed sibling rivalry.

The New York Times

Sibling rivalry is a powerful force.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sibling rivalry" in contexts where competition or conflict arises directly from the sibling relationship, rather than general family issues.

Common error

Avoid attributing all family disagreements to "sibling rivalry". Ensure the conflict stems specifically from the sibling relationship and competition for resources, attention, or approval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sibling rivalry" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI illustrates its role in various contexts, from describing plot elements in TV shows and films to analyzing complex family dynamics. The phrase acts as a subject or object, naming a specific type of competition or conflict.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sibling rivalry" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes the competition or conflict between siblings. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. This phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, science, and encyclopedias contexts. While it can have negative connotations, it also acknowledges the potential for positive development of social skills. When using "sibling rivalry", it's important to accurately attribute the conflict to the specific dynamics between siblings, avoiding misapplication to general family issues. Alternatives such as "fraternal rivalry" or "sibling competition" can provide nuanced variations depending on the context. The phrase's widespread usage and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for discussing family dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fraternal rivalry

Replaces "sibling" with "fraternal", specifying that the rivalry is between brothers.

sisterly rivalry

Replaces "sibling" with "sisterly", specifying that the rivalry is between sisters.

sibling conflict

Uses "conflict" instead of "rivalry", emphasizing the disagreement and struggle.

sibling competition

Uses "competition" instead of "rivalry", highlighting the competitive aspect.

sibling squabbling

Replaces "rivalry" with "squabbling", emphasizing petty arguments and disagreements.

sibling animosity

Substitutes "rivalry" with "animosity", highlighting the hostility and ill-feeling.

family feud

Broadens the scope from siblings to the entire family, focusing on long-standing disputes.

familial discord

Replaces "sibling rivalry" with a more formal term, "familial discord", indicating a lack of harmony within the family.

brotherly antagonism

Specifies "brotherly" and uses "antagonism" to emphasize active hostility.

competitive siblings

Focuses on the characteristic of siblings being competitive, rather than the rivalry itself.

FAQs

What are some common causes of "sibling rivalry"?

Common causes include competition for parental attention, perceived unfair treatment, differing temperaments, and individual needs. These factors can contribute to conflict and jealousy among siblings.

How does "sibling rivalry" affect child development?

While often seen as negative, "sibling rivalry" can also foster important social skills such as negotiation, compromise, and conflict resolution. However, intense or poorly managed rivalry can lead to emotional distress and long-term relationship problems.

What can I say instead of "sibling rivalry"?

You can use alternatives like "fraternal rivalry" (if referring to brothers), "sisterly rivalry" (if referring to sisters), or more broadly, "sibling competition".

Is "sibling rivalry" always negative?

No, it's not always negative. While it can involve conflict, it can also teach children valuable skills such as how to stand up for themselves, negotiate, and share. Healthy "sibling rivalry" can even strengthen sibling bonds in the long run.