a dispute between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dispute between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a disagreement or conflict involving two or more parties. Example: "The article discusses a dispute between the two neighboring countries over border issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So it's a dispute between them.

Yale University

"This is a dispute between two large author-service companies.

The Guardian - Books

"This is not a dispute between religions or ethnic groups.

The Guardian

"This is a dispute between two families," the taoiseach said.

The Guardian

Imagine a dispute between a handheld computer company, Jansen, and a community hospital, Riverside.

Harvard University

This is a dispute between private individuals; plaintiff is denied no rights under the First Amendment.

Harvard University

You may need to mediate a dispute between two members of your department.

Harvard University

In 2006, a dispute between Illinois voters and the state nuclear industry forced then Senator Obama to step in to mediate a dispute between the two constituencies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is there the hint of a dispute between the two, Kureishi was asked.

The Guardian

"I wonder if you can resolve a dispute between me and a friend," asks Alasdair Maughan.

The Guardian - Sport

Police have not determined a motive, but Newsham said one theory is a dispute between neighborhoods.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dispute between", ensure clarity by specifying the parties involved immediately after the phrase, for example, "a dispute between management and employees".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly identifying who is involved in the dispute. Saying "a dispute between parties" is less effective than specifying, for instance, "a dispute between landowners and developers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dispute between" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically serving as an adjectival modifier to describe the nature of a noun (e.g., situation, issue, problem). It introduces the idea of a disagreement involving specified parties. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

22%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Forbes

5%

Huffington Post

3%

Los Angeles Times

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dispute between" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that introduces a disagreement involving two or more parties. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is applicable across various contexts, particularly in news reporting and academic discussions. While "a conflict between" suggests a more intense disagreement, "a dispute between" generally maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to explicitly identify the parties involved. Given its frequent occurrence and versatile usage, mastering this phrase enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conflict between

Replaces "dispute" with "conflict", suggesting a more serious disagreement.

an argument between

Replaces "dispute" with "argument", indicating a verbal disagreement.

a disagreement between

Replaces "dispute" with "disagreement", implying a milder form of contention.

a clash between

Uses "clash" to imply a confrontation or struggle.

a quarrel between

Uses "quarrel" instead of "dispute", suggesting a heated argument.

a rift between

Suggests a separation or break in a relationship due to disagreement.

a feud between

Implies a long-standing and bitter disagreement.

a falling out between

Implies a breakdown in a previously amicable relationship.

a controversy between

Suggests a public and often prolonged disagreement.

a contention between

Replaces "dispute" with "contention", indicating a strong disagreement or competition.

FAQs

How can I use "a dispute between" in a sentence?

You can use "a dispute between" to introduce a disagreement or conflict involving two or more parties. For example, "The article discusses "a dispute between" the two neighboring countries over border issues".

What's the difference between "a dispute between" and "a conflict between"?

While both phrases describe disagreements, "a conflict between" often implies a more serious and intense disagreement than ""a dispute between"". A dispute may be a simple disagreement, whereas a conflict suggests deeper-rooted issues.

Are there formal alternatives to "a dispute between"?

Yes, in formal contexts, you could use phrases like "a contention between" or "a divergence of opinion between" to express a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

What can I say instead of "a dispute between" in informal conversation?

Informally, you might use phrases like "a falling out between" or "an argument between" to describe a disagreement without sounding overly formal.