an altercation started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an altercation started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the beginning of a conflict or dispute between individuals or groups. Example: "During the meeting, an altercation started when two colleagues disagreed on the project direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Ms Diamond Stone then stated her and Ms Angie Stone started to argue, and that's when a physical altercation started to occur," the report said.

Independent

"Almost immediately upon contact, a physical altercation started," Wyatt said.

Los Angeles Times

The altercation started inside a restaurant with a back-and-forth exchange that led the friends outside, with Griffin throwing multiple punches, according to a league executive with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.

Los Angeles Times

I am working with the team on a resolution and getting back in the game as soon as possible". The altercation started inside a restaurant with a back-and-forth exchange that led the friends outside, with Griffin throwing multiple punches, according to a league executive with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.

Los Angeles Times

In Romel's account, the altercation started with a look: The driver of the S.U.V., who prosecutors said was Mr. Phoenix, stared at him.

The New York Times

The altercation started in a restaurant.

Huffington Post

He says the altercation started when a group of white fraternity members yelled racial slurs at him and about 15 other black football players.

Los Angeles Times

A DeKalb County police incident report stated that Diamond said the altercation started after Angie demanded that she tidy her room and control her children, who were running around the singer's home half dressed.

Independent

The altercation started shortly before 1 a.m.

The New York Times

The physical altercation started when two people got out of the second car, according to the police statement on Facebook.

Huffington Post

The altercation started Saturday night when Ingram shoved James Harden in the back after Ingram was called for a foul while Harden was driving down the lane in transition.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an altercation started" to clearly indicate the beginning of a physical or verbal conflict. Consider the context to determine if a more specific term like "a fight broke out" or "a dispute began" would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "altercation" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "conflict", "dispute", or "confrontation" to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an altercation started" functions as a declaration of the beginning of a conflict, often implying a movement from a state of peace or neutrality to one of active disagreement or hostility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an altercation started" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe the onset of a conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. While the phrase itself is relatively straightforward, remember to consider the context when choosing alternative phrasings for greater precision and impact. When no examples exists remember to check the grammar and linguistic analysis to have an idea on how to use it properly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fight broke out

Focuses on the more physical aspect of the altercation.

a dispute began

Highlights the disagreement aspect, suitable for less violent situations.

a conflict arose

Emphasizes the emergence of opposition or tension.

a confrontation commenced

More formal, indicating the start of a face-to-face disagreement.

hostilities initiated

Stronger term suggesting the beginning of aggressive actions.

a clash erupted

Suggests a sudden and often violent beginning of a conflict.

a quarrel ignited

Implies the start of a heated argument or disagreement.

words were exchanged

Understates the situation, referring to the initial verbal exchange that led to the altercation.

tension escalated

Focuses on the rising tension that led to the altercation, rather than the altercation itself.

a disagreement surfaced

Highlights the appearance of a difference of opinion that then evolved.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "an altercation started"?

You could use phrases like "a fight broke out", "a dispute began", or "a conflict arose". The best choice depends on the specific nature of the situation you're describing.

How can I use "an altercation started" in a sentence?

You might say, "During the meeting, "an altercation started" when two colleagues disagreed on the project's direction" or "An altercation started after the referee made a controversial call."

Is "altercation" always physical?

No, "altercation" can refer to both physical and verbal conflicts. However, if the conflict is purely verbal, using "dispute" or "argument" might be more accurate.

What's the difference between "an altercation" and "a confrontation"?

While both involve conflict, "an altercation" often implies a more heated or physical exchange. "A confrontation" can be a more general term for a face-to-face disagreement.