be at loggerheads

USAGE SUMMARY

"be at loggerheads" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be in a state of disagreement or conflict with someone else. Example: The two siblings were always at loggerheads with each other, constantly arguing and fighting over the smallest things.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Will turtles and tourism always be at loggerheads?

The Guardian

If not, "we'll be at loggerheads soon," he said.

The New York Times

Film-makers are said to be at loggerheads over the rights to Mattel's best-selling toy.

Independent

"Documentary is where the rules of science and entertainment can be at loggerheads," he says.

The Guardian

The NRL and the Roosters are said to be at loggerheads in regard to the ban.

The Guardian - Sport

If all sides get through September intact, they'll still be at loggerheads during the next phase of budget negotiations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Thorn, 45, claimed key figures within the club are "at loggerheads".

BBC

We were at loggerheads.

Harvard Business Review

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

The New York Times

New Zealand and Canada are at loggerheads over dairy.

The New York Times

Artistically, too, the men were at loggerheads.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be at loggerheads", ensure that the context clearly establishes the parties involved and the subject of their disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "be at loggerheads" for minor disagreements. This phrase implies a significant and potentially irreconcilable conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be at loggerheads" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of disagreement or conflict between two or more parties. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. It typically follows a linking verb (e.g., "are", "were", "seem").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be at loggerheads" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe a state of strong disagreement or conflict, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a predicate adjective and serves to highlight situations where resolution is difficult. While versatile, its register tends towards neutral and formal, frequently appearing in news and media, academia, and science. To ensure correct usage, remember that the intensity of the conflict should be significant, and that it correctly conveys the discord between parties. Common alternatives include "be in disagreement" and "be at odds", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be at odds

Similar in meaning, but can also imply a more fundamental incompatibility.

be in conflict

Highlights the active conflict, rather than just a difference in opinion.

be clashing

Implies a more active and forceful disagreement.

be in disagreement

Focuses on the state of disagreeing, omitting the intensity of conflict.

be embroiled in conflict

Highlights that the parties are deeply involved in the conflict.

be in opposition

Emphasizes the act of opposing something, less about general disagreement.

be contending

Suggests a competitive disagreement, where each side is trying to win.

be at variance

A more formal way of saying "be in disagreement."

be on opposing sides

Focuses on the parties having different positions, not necessarily in active conflict.

be sparring

Implies a less serious or more playful form of disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "be at loggerheads" to describe situations where two or more parties are in strong disagreement or conflict. For example: "The management and the union were at loggerheads over salary negotiations."

What's a less formal alternative to "be at loggerheads"?

For less formal contexts, you could use phrases like "be in disagreement", or "be in conflict" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "were at loggerheads" or should it be "was at loggerheads"?

The correct conjugation depends on the subject. Use "were at loggerheads" for plural subjects (e.g., "They were at loggerheads"), and "was at loggerheads" for singular subjects (e.g., "He was at loggerheads" if referring to an organization, for example: The company was at loggerheads over the new policy.)

What's the difference between "be at odds" and "be at loggerheads"?

"Be at loggerheads" suggests a more intense and potentially irreconcilable conflict than "be at odds". The latter can imply a difference in opinion or goals without the same level of animosity.