a scuffle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scuffle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief, disorderly fight or struggle between individuals or groups. Example: "The argument escalated quickly, resulting in a scuffle between the two parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A scuffle ensues.

The New York Times

There was a scuffle.

The New Yorker

A scuffle ensued.

The New Yorker

It was just a scuffle.

The New York Times - Sports

"A scuffle started.

The New York Times

A scuffle may have ensued; accounts differ.

The Economist

Burrs staggers in and a scuffle ensues.

The New Yorker

The result was only a scuffle.

The New York Times

Protests and a scuffle greet him.

The Washington Post

A scuffle ensued and Sefolosha was injured.

The Guardian - Sport

Then a scuffle was staged between two actors.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "scuffle", provide context about the cause or the parties involved to give the reader a clearer picture of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "a scuffle" to describe major conflicts or battles; reserve it for minor, brief physical altercations. For significant battles, consider terms like "clash", "conflict", or "battle" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scuffle" functions primarily as a noun phrase, denoting a brief and often disorganized physical fight or struggle. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe events ranging from minor disagreements to more serious altercations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scuffle" is a noun phrase denoting a brief and often disorganized physical fight. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news reporting. While its formality is neutral, it's crucial to reserve it for minor conflicts, avoiding its use for major battles. Alternatives include "a quick tussle" or "a brief altercation", depending on the context. Remember to provide adequate context when using "a scuffle" to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short struggle

Stresses the limited duration of the physical contest.

a quick tussle

Focuses on the brief and somewhat disorganized nature of the struggle.

a light struggle

Highlights the low intensity of the physical engagement.

a brief altercation

Emphasizes the verbal aspect of the conflict alongside the physical.

a minor confrontation

Downplays the physical aspect, focusing on the opposition between parties.

a minor skirmish

Suggests a small-scale fight, possibly within a larger conflict.

a sudden clash

Highlights the unexpected and abrupt beginning of the fight.

a petty brawl

Highlights the insignificance or trivial nature of the fight.

a brief dust-up

Informal way to describe a brief fight or argument.

a small fracas

Implies a noisy and disruptive disturbance or fight.

FAQs

How can I use "a scuffle" in a sentence?

You can use "a scuffle" to describe a brief and often disorganized physical fight. For example, "A scuffle broke out between the protesters and the police."

What's the difference between "a scuffle" and "a brawl"?

"A scuffle" typically implies a brief, less intense physical altercation, while "a brawl" suggests a larger, more chaotic, and potentially more violent fight.

What are some synonyms for "a scuffle"?

Alternatives to "a scuffle" include "a tussle", "an altercation", "a fracas", or "a skirmish", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "a scuffle" formal or informal?

"A scuffle" is generally considered a neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in news reports and narratives describing events.