argument erupted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "argument erupted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a disagreement or dispute suddenly becomes intense or heated. Example: "During the meeting, an argument erupted over the proposed budget cuts, causing tension among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

An argument erupted.

The New York Times

An argument erupted, and the younger brother is reported to have shot Mr. Chadha.

The New York Times

Seconds after they left, a loud argument erupted in the corridor outside.

The New York Times

During the meeting, a heated argument erupted between Fitzgerald and Peter Barca, the Assembly minority leader.

The New York Times - Magazine

"A verbal argument erupted and fire was exchanged," said Noor Rahman, a Laghman police official.

The New York Times

The crowd closed in on the two and an argument erupted.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

E. coli is mentioned as being the contaminant, Aslaksen raises the ornery matter of tax hikes, and an argument erupts in the newspaper offices over the blurring of the lines between advertising and journalism.

The New York Times

But when an experienced driver encounters a sudden increase in complexity -- an argument erupts and it also starts to sleet -- that driver will probably stop the conversation and pay attention to the road.

The New York Times - Science

A much longer but not much funnier argument erupts over a story about a diver eaten by a blowfish, pursued to hysterical ends by Mr. Gregg's increasingly irritable Buck, who insists at one point that it's a parable about "man's fate" in a "hostile universe".

The New York Times

In another instance in the Shiva Purana, when an argument erupts between Brahma and Vishnu over who is superior, Shiva appears as an infinite fiery pillar (Linga) in front of the pair.

Wikipedia

A few arguments erupted as people tried to cut the line.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "argument erupted" to describe a situation where a disagreement suddenly became intense or heated. It effectively conveys the immediacy and force of the conflict.

Common error

While "argument erupted" is acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "dispute arose" or "conflict emerged" in academic or professional writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argument erupted" functions as a descriptor of an event, specifically denoting the sudden and often intense beginning of a disagreement or dispute. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "argument erupted" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a sudden and intense disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is primarily used in news and media contexts but is versatile enough for general use. While acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "dispute arose" in academic or professional settings. Remember that this phrase conveys the immediacy of the conflict and is more suitable when you want to emphasize the abrupt start of a disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dispute broke out

Suggests a disagreement started suddenly and noticeably.

quarrel flared up

Implies a sudden burst of anger or disagreement.

conflict arose

A more formal way of saying an argument started.

altercation ensued

Indicates a more physical or serious argument followed.

a heated debate began

Focuses on the intensity of the disagreement rather than its sudden onset.

a row started

A more informal way to describe an argument beginning.

tension escalated

Highlights the increasing pressure and strain in the situation.

words were exchanged

A more euphemistic way of saying people argued.

a disagreement sparked

Suggests a small initial disagreement led to something bigger.

hostilities commenced

Implies a more serious and potentially ongoing conflict.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "argument erupted"?

You can use alternatives like "dispute broke out", "conflict arose", or "quarrel flared up" depending on the context.

Is "argument erupted" too informal for academic writing?

While not strictly incorrect, "argument erupted" leans toward the informal. Consider using phrases such as "a dispute emerged", or "a conflict arose" to maintain a formal tone in academic writing.

How to use "argument erupted" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a sudden and intense disagreement. For example, "During the meeting, an "argument erupted" over the proposed budget cuts".

What's the difference between "argument erupted" and "argument escalated"?

"Argument erupted" implies a sudden start to a heated disagreement, while "argument escalated" suggests a gradual increase in intensity. The former focuses on the beginning, and the latter on the progression.