terrible strife

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible strife" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation of intense conflict or struggle, often in a serious or dramatic context. Example: "The country was plunged into terrible strife as factions fought for control of the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This serene clustering of pavilions, whose vast overhanging roofs draw on age-old Sinhalese precedents, seems at once timeless and contemporary, the perfect symbol of a young democracy and ancient culture searching for a unified identity during terrible ethnic strife.

The New York Times - Books

It's as if the terrible, violent confessional strife in the early modern period in Europe, the bloody drawn-out wars between the Christian sects, was removed to the intellectual arena in the Enlightenment and became a set of more general philosophical controversies.

SEP

Violent internal strife, economic troubles, a succession of oppressive regimes, and Sparta's alliance with Persia all put terrible pressures on Athens and led inexorably to the final, catastrophic defeat of the Athenian navy at Aegospotami, in the Hellespont, in 405.

The New Yorker

Was strife, life?

The New Yorker

But the strife has continued.

The Economist

The terrible mortality of the Black Death reduced Rome's population to less than 20,000, and the city staggered through the last half of the 14th century still racked by factional strife.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sectarian strife could be reignited.

The Economist

Political strife is unceasing.

The New York Times

Not all is strife.

The New York Times - Arts

Cross-generational strife?

The Guardian - Books

End religious strife?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrible strife" to describe situations where conflict is not only present but also causes significant distress, suffering, or devastation. It adds a layer of emotional intensity to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "terrible strife" to describe minor disagreements or everyday conflicts. This phrase is best reserved for serious and impactful situations where the consequences are dire.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible strife" functions as a noun phrase, where "terrible" modifies the noun "strife." It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence to describe a period or situation characterized by intense conflict. Although Ludwig AI shows limited examples, the structure is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrible strife" is a grammatically valid noun phrase used to describe severe and distressing conflict. Although Ludwig AI's analysis reveals limited examples in the provided dataset, the phrase is understandable and carries a strong connotation of suffering. It is best used in neutral or formal contexts to emphasize the gravity of a conflict situation. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for scenarios where the conflict is genuinely impactful and devastating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

horrific conflict

Replaces "terrible" with another strong adjective to convey the severity of the situation.

severe conflict

Replaces "strife" with a more general term for conflict, maintaining the intensity conveyed by "terrible".

devastating struggle

Focuses on the destructive consequences of the conflict.

intense struggle

Substitutes both words to provide a slightly different nuance while retaining the core meaning.

bitter discord

Emphasizes the animosity and disagreement inherent in the conflict.

brutal confrontation

Emphasizes the harsh and merciless nature of the conflict.

violent clash

Highlights the physical and forceful nature of the conflict.

acute dissension

Highlights the disagreement and disharmony present.

fierce contention

Emphasizes the strong and competitive nature of the dispute.

grave dissension

Highlights the significant and serious disagreement.

FAQs

How can "terrible strife" be used in a sentence?

You can use "terrible strife" to describe periods of intense conflict. For instance, "The nation endured years of "terrible strife" during the civil war".

What phrases are similar to "terrible strife"?

Alternatives include "severe conflict", "intense struggle", or "horrific conflict", each adding a slightly different shade of meaning.

Is "terrible strife" a formal or informal expression?

"Terrible strife" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for news reports, historical accounts, and academic writing. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "major conflict" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "terrible strife" from "minor disagreement"?

"Terrible strife" implies deep-seated, often violent conflict with widespread negative consequences, whereas a "minor disagreement" is a simple difference of opinion without significant impact. The scale and severity are vastly different.