What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
duel
Example
The two knights engaged in a duel to determine who would win the hand of the princess. [duel: noun]
Example
The two boxers dueled fiercely in the ring, each determined to come out on top. [dueled: verb]
clash
Example
The two armies clashed in a fierce battle that lasted for hours. [clashed: verb]
Example
The two political parties clashed over their differing views on healthcare reform. [clash: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clash is more commonly used than duel in everyday language. Clash is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while duel is less common and refers to a specific type of conflict or competition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between duel and clash?
Duel is typically associated with a formal and traditional tone, while clash is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
