clash with + person/thing
Showing conflict or incompatibility
Use clash with for disagreement, fighting, or things that do not match.
Her schedule clashed with mine.
clash: which preposition to use
Clash with is the main pattern for conflict or incompatibility. Other prepositions usually add information about place, topic, or direction.
Quick answer
Common combinations with clash
Use clash with for conflict between people, ideas, or colours. In, on, and at usually describe place or topic. Clash against is mainly physical.
The minister clashed with reporters.
The parties clashed on tax policy.
The waves clashed against the rocks.
The parties clashed on tax policy.
The waves clashed against the rocks.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
clash on + topic
Disagreeing about a subject
Use on to state the topic of disagreement.
The candidates clashed on immigration policy.
clash in + place/event
Describing where conflict happens
In usually introduces the location or setting of a clash.
Supporters clashed in the city centre.
clash against + surface/opponent
Physical impact
Against is used for physical contact or forceful collision.
The boats clashed against each other during the storm.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
clash with
The two designers clashed with each other.
be in conflict or disagreement
clash on
They clashed on education policy.
disagree about a specific topic
clash in
Protesters clashed in the streets.
in shows where the conflict happened
clash at
The rivals clashed at the tournament.
at introduces the event or location
clash against
The swords clashed against the shields.
physical collision or impact
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using on for people instead of topics
Use with for the people involved in the conflict.
✕ She clashed on her manager. ✓ She clashed with her manager.Using against for ordinary disagreement
Against is mainly physical or highly forceful.
✕ The committee clashed against the proposal. ✓ The committee clashed over the proposal.Confusing in and at
In usually refers to a larger area; at points to a specific place or event.
✕ Fans clashed at the streets. ✓ Fans clashed in the streets.Omitting the topic after clash on
On normally needs a subject of disagreement.
✕ The politicians clashed on. ✓ The politicians clashed on healthcare reform.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The directors clashed ___ spending priorities.
2. Their travel plans clash ___ our meeting schedule.
3. Demonstrators clashed ___ the stadium after the match.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most common preposition after clash?
Clash with is the main pattern for conflict, disagreement, or incompatibility.
Can clash against be used figuratively?
It is mainly used for physical impact. Figurative disagreement is usually expressed with clash with or clash over.
What is the difference between clash on and clash over?
Both can introduce a topic of disagreement. Over is often slightly more common in everyday English, while on is common in political and formal contexts.
Related preposition guides
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