spark conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spark conflict" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to cause or ignite a disagreement or argument between individuals or groups. Example: The new policy implemented by the company may spark conflict among employees who have different opinions on its effectiveness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Already, there are examples of how resource riches can spark conflict.

The New York Times

Even today, there are dozens of border disputes around the world that threaten to spark conflict.

The Washington Post

Many fear Beslan's grief could eventually spark conflict in a region as ethnically diverse and tense as the former Yugoslavia.

The Guardian

Shashank Mishra of the Myanmar Climate Change Alliance believes access to water could spark conflict in the future.

The Guardian

"They may seek to spark conflict between different faiths, but as Americans we are not — and never will be — at war with Islam," Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

Mr Barghouti may not wish to spark conflict among his own people, but that could perhaps be the result of his candidacy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Social interactions, including negotiation, can spark conflicting impulses.

Harvard Business Review

Shortages of fuel, water and food will spark conflicts that international institutions such as the United Nations will be unable to rein in.

The Guardian - Opinion

The military action immediately raised concerns that it could spark conflicts among the assortment of foreign military powers present, in proximity, across northern Syria.

The Washington Post

In the coming months there is a real risk that Iran's nuclear ambitions could spark conflicts that make Iraq and Afghanistan look like small fry indeed.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a lesser-known consequence of the vast demand for sand: as well as environmental degradation, soaring sand prices encourage corruption and spark conflicts within villages.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spark conflict", ensure the context clearly identifies the factors or events that initiate the disagreement. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

While "spark conflict" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. More precise verbs such as "precipitate", "instigate", or "trigger" might be more appropriate for conveying nuances of causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spark conflict" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the act of initiating or triggering disagreement. It describes how certain actions or events can be the cause of conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spark conflict" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the action of initiating or triggering a disagreement or dispute. As Ludwig AI explains, it accurately conveys the cause-and-effect relationship between an event and the emergence of conflict. Predominantly found in news media and scientific contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, although more formal options may be preferable in academic writing. While "spark conflict" is effective, related phrases such as "ignite conflict", "trigger conflict", and "incite conflict" can offer nuanced alternatives. When using "spark conflict", ensure clarity by specifying the factors that initiate the conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ignite conflict

Replaces "spark" with "ignite", maintaining the metaphor of fire to represent the start of conflict.

trigger conflict

Substitutes "spark" with "trigger", focusing on the causal action that sets off the conflict.

incite conflict

Uses "incite" instead of "spark", implying a deliberate action to stir up conflict.

provoke conflict

Replaces "spark" with "provoke", suggesting that the conflict arises as a response to a stimulus.

foment conflict

Utilizes "foment", indicating the instigation or promotion of discord or strife.

generate conflict

Employs "generate" in place of "spark", highlighting the creation or production of conflict.

initiate conflict

Replaces "spark" with "initiate", emphasizing the formal beginning of the conflict.

create conflict

Substitutes "spark" with "create", indicating the origination of conflict.

give rise to conflict

This phrase uses a different structure to express causing conflict by leading to its start.

lead to conflict

Indicates the idea of conflict as a result or consequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "spark conflict" to describe something that causes disagreement or argument. For example, "The controversial policy changes "spark conflict" among the employees".

What phrases are similar to "spark conflict"?

Similar phrases include "ignite conflict", "trigger conflict", or "incite conflict", which all describe causing or starting a disagreement.

Is "spark conflict" formal or informal?

"Spark conflict" is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "precipitate" or "instigate" might be preferable in academic or professional settings.

Which is correct, "spark conflict" or "sparks conflict"?

The correct form depends on the context. "Spark conflict" is used when referring to something that can potentially cause conflict in the future or in general, whereas "sparks conflict" is used when something is actively causing conflict now.