fighting over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fighting over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two people who are arguing or competing over something, such as a toy, a job, or an opinion. Example: The couple was fighting over who would get to use the last piece of cake.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's what they're fighting over now".

BBC

The kids were always fighting over something.

Huffington Post

Are they fighting over a toy?

WikiHow

Girls fighting over guys.

The New Yorker

We're fighting over the sacred".

The New York Times - Magazine

They keep fighting over positions".

The New York Times

What's everybody fighting over?

The New York Times - Arts

"Why would they be fighting over this?

The New York Times

Sure beats fighting over Obamacare, right?

The New Yorker

But ministers are also fighting over rail.

The Economist

"Grown men are fighting over a kid".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing conflicts, use "fighting over" to convey a sense of active contention for a specific object, idea, or position. For more nuanced depictions, consider synonyms like "competing for" or "arguing about" depending on the context.

Common error

While "fighting over" is suitable for general use, avoid it in formal or professional writing where more precise language like "contending for" or "disputing" may be more appropriate. Remember that depending on the degree of formality you may want to consider alternative options that portray a different degree of aggressiveness or competitiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fighting over" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe a situation where two or more parties are in conflict or competition for something. It indicates an active and often contentious struggle. As per Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "fighting over" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe situations involving conflict or competition for a specific thing, idea, or status. Ludwig provides ample examples demonstrating its common usage across various media, from informal conversations to news reports. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "contending for" or "disputing" in professional or academic writing to maintain a higher level of formality. Understanding the context and audience is crucial in choosing the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arguing about

Focuses on the verbal disagreement aspect of the conflict.

competing for

Emphasizes the competitive aspect rather than the conflict.

quarreling about

Similar to arguing, but suggests a more petty or trivial disagreement.

contending for

Implies a more formal or structured competition for something.

clashing over

Suggests a direct and forceful confrontation.

battling for

Implies a more intense and potentially violent conflict.

wrangling over

Suggests a messy and often undignified struggle.

at odds over

Highlights the state of disagreement and opposition.

locked in a struggle for

Emphasizes the ongoing nature and intensity of the conflict.

disputing ownership of

Specifically refers to disagreements about who owns something.

FAQs

How can I use "fighting over" in a sentence?

Use "fighting over" to describe a situation where individuals or groups are in conflict or competition for something. For example, "The siblings were fighting over the last slice of pizza".

What's the difference between "fighting over" and "arguing about"?

"Fighting over" implies a more active and potentially physical struggle, while "arguing about" suggests a verbal disagreement. The best choice depends on the nature of the conflict.

What are some alternatives to saying "fighting over"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "competing for", "contending for", or "disputing". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "fighting over" in formal writing?

While understandable, "fighting over" might be too informal for academic or professional writing. In those contexts, consider using alternatives that convey a more measured tone, such as "contending for" or "disputing ownership of".