underlying conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental or hidden disagreement or struggle that influences a situation or relationship. Example: "The underlying conflict between the two parties has made negotiations increasingly difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But the nature of the recent disputes suggests an underlying conflict between the two allies.

The New Yorker

Not an end to the conflict but a period of calm for Israelis that will end again, necessarily, because the underlying conflict still exists.

The Guardian

Lupo's crystalline yet emphatic performance helped draw out the piece's deeper meaning, Mozart's own underlying conflict between the imperatives of festive public pomp (as seen in the opening theme's martial strut) and the inner compulsions of personal expression (which Lupo brought out with dark-hued vehemence).

The New Yorker

'Incomplete honesty' is inherent to most communication systems and reflects the underlying conflict between senders and receivers that share some common ground of interests.

Animal Behaviour

Using this approach, mediators first address the parties' underlying conflict before they turn to the task of attempting to resolve their dispute.

Huffington Post

Neural systems underlying conflict processing have been well studied in the cognitive realm, but the extent to which these overlap with those underlying emotional conflict processing remains unclear.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Freud, himself a therapeutic pessimist, championed lay analysts, was talkative, preferred cases to systematisation, thought symptoms were less important than underlying conflicts and never considered homosexuality an illness.

The Guardian - Books

But his efforts have left some unconvinced that the underlying conflicts between the police and predominantly black communities are being addressed.

The New York Times

It may be less messy to negotiate and settle disputes quickly, but Mr. Giuliani knew that if underlying conflicts are not addressed, they always get messier, and he was willing to take a stand.

The New York Times

But the bombings in the capital shattered those claims, leading analysts to question whether underlying conflicts in the Delta — which have at times led to significant cuts in oil production by one of the world's major suppliers — have been settled.

The New York Times

However, underlying conflicts among these instruments impair the overall efficiency of the policy and cause a waste of resources, and other problematic designs in this policy framework reduce the necessity and feasibility of emission trading.

Environmental Development

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "underlying conflict", ensure you clearly articulate what that conflict entails and its implications for the situation you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "underlying conflict" vaguely. Always specify the nature of the conflict and why it's significant. Failure to do so weakens your analysis and leaves the reader without a clear understanding of the core issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying conflict" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it's a valid phrase, indicating a fundamental disagreement or tension that is not immediately apparent but influences a situation or relationship.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underlying conflict" is a noun phrase used to describe a fundamental, often hidden, disagreement or tension. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the nature of the conflict to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "fundamental disagreement" and "root cause of tension". Understanding the "underlying conflict" is essential for analyzing complex situations and relationships effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental disagreement

This option focuses specifically on the disagreement aspect, differing from "underlying conflict" which encompasses broader struggles.

unresolved tension

This version specifically highlights a tension that is not yet addressed, whereas "underlying conflict" can be active or passive.

hidden discord

This alternative emphasizes the concealed nature of the conflict, differing from "underlying conflict" which suggests a foundational issue.

deep-seated dispute

While this and the search query are similar in meaning, this one strongly emphasizes the historical aspect of the conflict.

latent antagonism

This phrase highlights the potential for conflict to emerge, whereas "underlying conflict" implies it already exists in a subdued form.

primary source of contention

This alternative centers around the element of contention, unlike "underlying conflict" which may have no specific subject.

basic friction

This alternative emphasizes the opposition aspect of the conflict, differing from "underlying conflict" which suggests a foundational issue.

root cause of tension

This alternative shifts the focus to the source of the tension, rather than the conflict itself.

inherent contradiction

This alternative focuses on logical inconsistency, unlike "underlying conflict" which can involve opposing interests or values.

core issue

This option simplifies the concept to a central problem, potentially missing the complexity of a conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "underlying conflict" to describe a fundamental disagreement or tension that is not immediately obvious but influences events or relationships. For example: "The "underlying conflict" between the two departments hindered collaboration."

What phrases are similar to "underlying conflict"?

Alternatives to "underlying conflict" include "fundamental disagreement", "root cause of tension", and "deep-seated dispute".

Is it better to say "underlying conflict" or "surface conflict"?

The choice depends on your focus. "Underlying conflict" refers to a less visible, fundamental issue, while "surface conflict" describes an immediately apparent disagreement. They describe different aspects of a contentious situation.

What's the difference between "underlying conflict" and "obvious conflict"?

"Underlying conflict" suggests a hidden or not immediately apparent source of disagreement, while "obvious conflict" is an open and easily recognized dispute.