after an argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after an argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a time or situation that follows a disagreement or dispute between individuals. Example: "They decided to go for coffee after an argument to clear the air and discuss their differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An off-duty New York police officer was shot after an argument outside a Bronx diner early Sunday, the police said.

The New York Times

Detectives said the shooting occurred after an argument.

The New York Times

In 2014, after an argument in the office.

The New York Times

He was gone after an argument over transfer policy.

The Guardian - Sport

The prosecution says he intentionally killed her after an argument.

The Guardian

She had committed suicide, after an argument with her parents about skipping school.

The New Yorker

After an argument, she took the pet and taped a plastic bag over its head.

The Guardian

I remember one day I lost my brother after an argument and panic ensued.

The Guardian - Film

Leon Kelley, 63, was shot and killed after an argument in North Yarmouth, Me., Sunday afternoon.

The New York Times

One man shot another man after an argument in a store in Clarkston, Ga., Friday morning.

The New York Times

After an argument with the manager, the shooter returned with a shotgun.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "after an argument", ensure that the context clearly indicates what actions or events followed the disagreement. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that events occurring "after an argument" are necessarily caused by the argument. Clearly establish the connection or causality if it exists, or risk implying a false relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after an argument" functions as a prepositional phrase, specifying a time frame or sequence of events that occur subsequent to a disagreement. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI examples, it sets a temporal context for actions, decisions, or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "after an argument" is a prepositional phrase indicating a temporal sequence following a disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "following a disagreement" may be preferred in academic or scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in establishing the relationship between the argument and subsequent events to avoid misinterpretations. The most common authoritative sources using the phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following a disagreement

Replaces "argument" with a more formal term, "disagreement".

subsequent to a dispute

Emphasizes the temporal sequence with a formal tone using "subsequent" and replaces "argument" with "dispute".

following the contention

Replaces "argument" with "contention", highlighting the adversarial nature of the disagreement.

in the wake of a quarrel

Uses more literary and evocative language replacing "argument" with "quarrel" and "after" with "in the wake of".

as a result of the disagreement

Highlights the causal relationship, emphasizing that what follows is a consequence of the disagreement.

post-altercation

Condenses the phrase into a compound adjective, suitable for technical or concise writing, replacing "argument" with "altercation".

in the aftermath of a clash

Emphasizes the consequences and broader impact of a significant disagreement or "clash".

once the conflict subsided

Shifts focus from the argument itself to its resolution, implying a passage of time after the "conflict".

stemming from the dispute

Focuses on the origin of subsequent events, indicating they originate from the "dispute".

on the heels of a debate

Uses a more figurative expression, "on the heels of", to indicate immediate succession after a formal discussion or "debate".

FAQs

How can I use "after an argument" in a sentence?

Use "after an argument" to indicate events or actions that occur following a disagreement. For example, "After an argument, they decided to take a break from each other".

What are some alternatives to using "after an argument"?

You can use alternatives like "following a disagreement", "subsequent to a dispute", or "in the wake of a quarrel" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to specify the cause of events occurring "after an argument"?

While not always necessary, specifying the cause provides clarity and avoids potential misinterpretations. Ensure the connection is clear, especially if the argument is not the direct cause of the subsequent events.

Which is more formal, "after an argument" or "following a disagreement"?

"Following a disagreement" tends to be more formal than "after an argument", as "disagreement" is a more formal term than "argument".