an argument over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an argument over" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a disagreement or debate between two or more people. Example: The meeting became tense when an argument over the budget erupted between the board members.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We had an argument over the color.

The New York Times

(I'll bet there was an argument over this).

The New Yorker

There arose an argument over the wisdom of this.

The New Yorker

The contest will begin with an argument over its timetable.

The Economist

He was gone after an argument over transfer policy.

The Guardian - Sport

He had been stabbed in an argument over bowling shoes.

The New Yorker

Jeremy Clarkson's suspension by the BBC was reportedly caused by an argument over a steak.

Independent

The court action appeared to stem from an argument over where Mr. Mandela should be buried.

The New York Times

One blamed the involvement of other agents and an argument over Crittenton's medical care.

The New York Times - Sports

Arenas and the player got into an argument over a card game.

The New York Times - Sports

He was stabbed after what Big Ron later claimed was an argument over the bill.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an argument over", ensure the subject of the argument is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'There was an argument over it', specify 'There was an argument over the budget'.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid using "an argument over" if a more neutral term like 'dispute' or 'debate' is more appropriate. "Argument" can sometimes imply a heated or emotional disagreement, which may not always be the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an argument over" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, typically indicating the subject or cause of a disagreement. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to specify what people are arguing about, such as "an argument over transfer policy" or "an argument over a card game".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an argument over" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to specify the subject of a disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and suitable for various contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific tone you wish to convey and choose synonyms like "a dispute about" for more formal settings or if you want to downplay the conflict. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, highlighting its role in reporting on conflicts and disagreements. Using this phrase effectively requires ensuring clarity and avoiding overly emotional connotations when a neutral description is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dispute about

Focuses on the disagreement itself, using 'dispute' instead of 'argument'.

a disagreement regarding

Replaces 'argument' with 'disagreement' and 'over' with 'regarding'.

a controversy surrounding

Highlights the contentious nature of the issue, framing it as a 'controversy'.

a debate concerning

Emphasizes the discussion aspect of the disagreement, using 'debate' instead of 'argument'.

a conflict about

Uses 'conflict' to underscore the antagonistic nature of the disagreement.

a quarrel regarding

A more informal alternative, using 'quarrel' to suggest a heated argument.

a bone of contention

An idiomatic expression indicating the central point of disagreement.

the subject of debate

Highlights the issue being argued about, using a more formal tone.

the point of contention

Focuses on the specific issue that is causing disagreement or conflict.

a difference of opinion on

Emphasizes the existence of differing viewpoints as the cause of the disagreement.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "an argument over"?

You can use alternatives like "a dispute about", "a disagreement regarding", or "a controversy surrounding" depending on the context.

How do I use "an argument over" in a sentence?

You can use "an argument over" to describe the cause or subject of a disagreement. For example: "The meeting devolved into an argument over budget allocations."

Is "an argument about" the same as "an argument over"?

While similar, "an argument over" typically implies a more direct and immediate conflict about a specific issue, whereas "an argument about" can be a more general discussion or disagreement.

In what contexts is it best to avoid using "an argument over"?

In highly formal or professional settings, consider using more neutral terms like "a debate concerning" or "a discussion regarding" if you want to downplay the conflict aspect.