vicious battle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vicious battle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fierce and brutal conflict, often in a metaphorical sense, such as in sports, politics, or personal disputes. Example: "The two rival teams engaged in a vicious battle for the championship title, leaving fans on the edge of their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why was her parents' marriage a long and vicious battle?

The New York Times - Books

A vicious battle erupted between Mr. Burkle and the Barnes & Noble board.

The New York Times

This is a vicious battle between implacable enemies that can bring only hideous bloodshed.

Independent

The crowd had come to be entertained, not engage in vicious battle.

The Guardian - Sport

The result was last spring's vicious battle in the 31st legislative district.

The New York Times

The two female characters aren't helping each other: they're engaged in a vicious battle to the death.

The Guardian - Film

Meanwhile Alavedo fights a vicious battle over Egyptian antiquities with a French archaeologist who is Gwenn's lover.

The New York Times - Books

In the late 1990s, the two fought a vicious battle over an inconsequential border town that left 100,000 dead.

The New York Times

This chap - handsome, driven but so very kind and unsnobbish - is locked in a vicious battle for the family business.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The 1990's saw a vicious battle for power among the men who became known simply as "oligarchs".

The New York Times

It was a long, vicious battle that was finally settled out of court, but it cost Adage a lot of revenue and a chunk of future opportunity.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vicious battle" to describe conflicts characterized by extreme intensity, brutality, and a lack of restraint. This phrase is suitable for both literal and metaphorical battles.

Common error

Avoid using "vicious battle" to describe minor disagreements or commonplace competitive situations. The phrase's intensity should match the gravity of the conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vicious battle" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing a conflict characterized by extreme intensity and brutality. Ludwig confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vicious battle" is a noun phrase used to describe an extremely intense and brutal conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the intensity of the language matches the gravity of the situation being described. Consider alternatives like "fierce conflict" or "brutal fight" for different nuances. Avoid overusing it in situations that are not genuinely severe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fierce conflict

Less emotionally charged than "vicious battle". It simply indicates a strong disagreement or struggle.

brutal fight

Highlights the physical or emotional damage inflicted, similar to "vicious battle" but more direct.

bitter struggle

Emphasizes the resentment and animosity involved, making it less focused on the intensity of the clash itself.

intense rivalry

Focuses on the competitive aspect and ongoing nature of the conflict, rather than a single, decisive engagement.

heated clash

Suggests a more sudden and possibly less prolonged conflict than "vicious battle".

bloody confrontation

This phrase emphasizes the violence and potential casualties of the conflict, making it more graphic.

relentless struggle

Highlights the persistence and determination of the participants, shifting the focus from the nature of the battle itself.

cutthroat competition

Primarily used in business or competitive contexts, indicating a willingness to use any means to succeed.

acrimonious dispute

Emphasizes the negativity and lack of goodwill between the parties, rather than the direct combat.

savage contest

Similar in intensity to "vicious battle", but "savage" can imply a more primal or uncivilized nature.

FAQs

How can I use "vicious battle" in a sentence?

You can use "vicious battle" to describe a fierce and brutal conflict. For example, "The two companies engaged in a "vicious battle" for market share."

What are some synonyms for "vicious battle"?

Alternatives to "vicious battle" include "fierce conflict", "brutal fight", or "bitter struggle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "vicious battle" in formal writing?

Yes, "vicious battle" can be used in formal writing, particularly in news reporting or historical accounts, to describe conflicts marked by extreme intensity and brutality. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure appropriateness.

What's the difference between "vicious battle" and "intense rivalry"?

"Vicious battle" describes a specific, intense conflict, while "intense rivalry" suggests an ongoing competitive relationship. The former is more focused on a particular event, whereas the latter is about a sustained dynamic.