bitter argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"bitter argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an intense disagreement or dispute. You can use it in any type of writing. Example: The couple had a bitter argument about their financial situation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A bitter argument ensues.

The New Yorker

Then this couple went by having this very bitter argument.

Independent

The bitter argument was not confined to the independent sector.

The Guardian

"We may end up turning a decent debate into a bitter argument.

The Guardian

A few months later, Hergé had a bitter argument with an old friend, Philippe Gérard.

The Economist

Glen reacts with bewildered outrage; he and Grace have a bitter argument, and they break up.

The New Yorker

"I got into a bitter argument with that guy at the Magic Castle last month.

The New Yorker

What happened to Grier reflects a continuing bitter argument on the issue.

The New York Times - Sports

The 1970s were disputatious times, times of profound and often bitter argument.

The Guardian

After years of bitter argument, this noncontentious book should be welcomed by anyone who cares about fish.

The New York Times - Science

There has been a long and bitter argument, for instance, over the affordability of patented AIDS drugs in Africa.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bitter argument" when you want to emphasize the intensity and negative emotions involved in a disagreement. It suggests a deep-seated conflict or resentment between the parties involved.

Common error

Avoid using "bitter argument" in contexts where the disagreement is merely a difference of opinion or a friendly debate. It's best reserved for situations involving strong animosity or deep conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter argument" functions as a noun phrase, where 'bitter' modifies the noun 'argument'. It typically serves as the object or subject of a verb, describing an instance of intense disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Film

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Books

5%

Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bitter argument" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an intense and emotionally charged disagreement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to convey the severity of a conflict. While alternatives like "heated dispute" or "acrimonious debate" exist, "bitter argument" specifically emphasizes the negative emotions and potential for lasting resentment. It is important to reserve this phrase for situations where the conflict involves significant animosity, avoiding its overuse in neutral or friendly debates. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's versatility and its effectiveness in communicating the depth of a disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heated dispute

Emphasizes the intensity and emotional charge of the disagreement.

acrimonious debate

Highlights the sharp and hostile nature of the discussion.

fierce quarrel

Focuses on the aggressive and combative aspect of the disagreement.

intense disagreement

Indicates a strong difference of opinion and feeling.

contentious discussion

Suggests a discussion prone to causing argument and dispute.

sharp altercation

Emphasizes a sudden and heated exchange of words.

rancorous exchange

Focuses on the bitterness and resentment present in the interaction.

unpleasant conflict

Highlights the negative and disagreeable nature of the situation.

serious disagreement

Indicates a disagreement with significant consequences or implications.

angry confrontation

Points to a direct and hostile meeting or clash.

FAQs

How to use "bitter argument" in a sentence?

You can use "bitter argument" to describe a heated dispute. For instance, "Their business partnership ended after a "bitter argument" over financial matters."

What can I say instead of "bitter argument"?

You can use alternatives like "heated dispute", "acrimonious debate", or "fierce quarrel" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "bitter argument" or "bitter disagreement"?

Both "bitter argument" and "bitter disagreement" are correct, but "bitter argument" is slightly more common when referring to a specific instance of conflict. "Disagreement" can also refer to a general state of not agreeing.

What's the difference between "bitter argument" and "heated discussion"?

A ""bitter argument"" implies strong negative emotions and potentially lasting resentment, while a "heated discussion" suggests intensity and passion, but not necessarily animosity. A heated discussion may simply involve strong opinions without a breakdown in relations.