disputes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disputes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to disagreements, conflicts, or arguments between parties. Example: "The two companies have been involved in several disputes over the terms of their contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Realising that allowing elected officials to determine the outcome of a disputed election was a bad idea, the Electoral Act makes clear that the high court will sit as the "court of disputed returns" to hear disputes relating to elections.

The Guardian

These eddies of trouble, the revival of secondary disputes and the mixture of economic policy with diplomatic grievances and popular rhetoric all echo the atmosphere of the early 1930s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Also working to repair its ties with the United Arab Emirates, Iran is purportedly negotiating a solution to long-running disputes over a group of small islands in the Persian Gulf.

The Guardian

In an interview (in Arabic) with Asharq al-Awsat newspaper while in London, Hadi lamented Yemen's past troubles, saying: "We have spent 50 years in Yemen operating on a kill or be killed basis... we've had continuing wars and unending disputes, Yemenis must leave this past of wars and disputes behind".

The Guardian

Worsening relations with Qatar over the blunt approach of the Qatari TV channel al-Jazeera and territorial disputes created an uneasy situation.

The Guardian

Some of the most common – and indeed most heartrending – forms of litigation we deal with are custody battles and family disputes.

The Guardian

Fadi Hakura, an expert on Turkey and associate fellow at Chatham House, said it was unlikely that such disputes would lead to a complete breakdown in relations between the two states.

The Guardian

The Hancocks knew Hughes had had disputes with previous neighbours, but they had hoped their relationship with him would be different; now they started to object.

The Guardian

As technology improves and prices come down, the rise in CCTV-related disputes is likely to continue.

The Guardian

Following years of copyright rows and royalty disputes, Hon's patents were sold to Imperial Tobacco in 2013 for $75m.

The Guardian

However Amec faces £90m in charges, including £70m against possible future costs from ongoing legal disputes.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about conflicts, consider using synonyms for "disputes" to add variety and nuance to your writing. Options like "conflicts", "arguments", or "disagreements" can provide subtle differences in meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "disputes" in every instance of disagreement. Vary your language based on the specific nature of the conflict. For minor disagreements, consider words like "differences" or "misunderstandings".

Linguistic Context

"Disputes" primarily functions as a noun, denoting disagreements, arguments, or conflicts. Ludwig shows it's used to describe ongoing issues (e.g., legal disputes) or past conflicts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disputes" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe disagreements or conflicts, according to Ludwig AI. Its primary function is as a noun, and it typically appears in neutral to professional registers, particularly in news and formal business contexts. When writing, it's advisable to vary your language, considering synonyms like "conflicts" or "arguments" to add nuance. Avoid overusing "disputes" without providing specific context to the nature of the disagreement. This guide provides a thorough understanding of how to effectively use "disputes" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicts

Focuses on the state of opposition, potentially involving physical or ideological clashes.

arguments

Highlights the verbal exchange of differing viewpoints.

disagreements

Emphasizes a lack of consensus or alignment on specific issues.

quarrels

Implies petty or heated disagreements.

controversies

Suggests public and prolonged disagreements on significant matters.

clashes

Highlights direct confrontations or oppositions.

contentions

Focuses on the act of arguing or asserting a point of view.

discord

Indicates a lack of harmony or agreement.

dissensions

Points to disagreements that cause division within a group.

wrangles

Suggests protracted and often frustrating disputes.

FAQs

How can I use "disputes" in a sentence?

"Disputes" is typically used as a noun, referring to disagreements or arguments. For example: "The company is involved in several legal "disputes"." It can also be a verb as the third person singular of dispute.

What are some synonyms for "disputes"?

Alternatives for "disputes" include "conflicts", "arguments", "disagreements", and "controversies". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "disputes" instead of "arguments"?

"Disputes" often implies a more formal or legal context than "arguments". Use "disputes" when referring to formal disagreements, such as legal or contractual conflicts.

What is the difference between "disputes" and "quarrels"?

"Disputes" generally refers to serious disagreements, while "quarrels" suggests petty or heated arguments. Use "quarrels" for less formal, more personal disagreements.