at loggerheads

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "at loggerheads" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which two people or groups are in a conflict or disagreement, and neither one is willing to compromise. For example: "The two local political parties have been at loggerheads over the new tax law, and no agreement has yet been reached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He found himself "at loggerheads" with himself.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The two sides appear at loggerheads.

The New York Times

"We're at loggerheads," Mr. Richman said.

The New York Times

Yet environmentalists and economists are often at loggerheads.

The Economist

Facebook and Yahoo! are at loggerheads over internet patents.

The Economist

The two smaller parties are at loggerheads over immigration.

The Economist

The two institutions have often been at loggerheads.

The Economist

The condo developer and museum officials are at loggerheads.

The New York Times - Arts

Amazon has been at loggerheads in various states.

The New York Times - Tech

As a result, environmentalists and industry have long been at loggerheads.

The Economist

ANNA DIAMANTOPOULOU, the European Commissioner for employment and social affairs, and European insurers are at loggerheads.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at loggerheads" when you want to emphasize a strong disagreement or conflict where resolution seems unlikely. It adds a sense of impasse to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "at loggerheads" for minor disagreements or simple differences of opinion. It's best reserved for situations where there is significant conflict and entrenched positions.

How to use

Learn how to use "at loggerheads" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at loggerheads" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of disagreement or conflict between two or more parties. Ludwig examples show its prevalent use in describing relationships between entities in dispute, supporting this grammatical function. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correctly and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at loggerheads" effectively conveys a state of strong disagreement or conflict, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis. It functions as a predicate adjective, predominantly used in news and media, and formal contexts to describe situations where resolution is unlikely. While grammatically correct and very common, it's important to reserve its usage for significant conflicts rather than minor disagreements. Alternatives include "at odds" or "in conflict". Ludwig AI confirms the expression is valid and frequently used in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at odds

A close synonym, but "at odds" can also imply a slight difference of opinion rather than a full-blown conflict.

in conflict

This focuses on the active state of conflict, whereas "at loggerheads" can describe a more static state of opposition.

locked in a standoff

This phrase emphasizes the deadlock and lack of movement in the disagreement.

in disagreement

This alternative is a more general term for not being in agreement, lacking the intensity of conflict implied by "at loggerheads".

in a stalemate

Like "locked in a standoff", this describes a situation where neither side can progress.

in opposition

Highlights the opposing stance between parties, but not necessarily an active dispute.

in dispute

This focuses on the existence of a dispute, but does not convey the sense of deadlock as strongly as "at loggerheads".

on opposing sides

Focuses on the division and contrasting positions of the involved parties.

unable to agree

A direct and simple way of stating the lack of agreement, lacking the color and imagery of "at loggerheads".

in contention

Highlights that an issue is being contended, rather than the state of the involved parties.

FAQs

How can I use "at loggerheads" in a sentence?

You can use "at loggerheads" to describe situations where two or more parties are in strong disagreement and unable to find common ground. For instance, "The management and the union are "at loggerheads" over salary negotiations".

What's a simple way to define "at loggerheads"?

"At loggerheads" means being in a state of strong disagreement or conflict, essentially being "in disagreement".

What are some alternative expressions for "at loggerheads"?

Alternatives include "at odds", "in conflict", or "unable to agree". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "at loggerheads" in formal writing?

Yes, "at loggerheads" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports or analytical pieces where you need to convey a sense of strong disagreement. It can also be used in professional environments.