What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
collide
Example
The two cars collided at the intersection, causing significant damage. [collided: past tense]
Example
The football players collided on the field, resulting in a loud thud. [collided: verb]
clash
Example
The two politicians clashed during the debate, arguing fiercely about their opposing views. [clashed: past tense]
Example
There was a clash of cultures when the two families with different traditions came together. [clash: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clash is more commonly used than collide in everyday language. Clash is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, including conflicts in relationships, politics, and society. On the other hand, collide is less common and is mostly used in specific contexts such as accidents or sports.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between collide and clash?
Both collide and clash can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, collide is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts, while clash is more commonly used in general discussions and everyday language.
