fights with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fights with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conflict or struggle between two parties, whether literal or metaphorical. Example: "She often fights with her brother over the remote control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He fights with Podesta.

The Washington Post

He had many imaginary fights with him.

The New Yorker

Fights, with food and without.

Britannica

He picked fights with classmates.

The New York Times

Trump picks fights with men and women.

The Washington Post

Sometimes they picked fights with him.

The New York Times

We had terrible fights with Burlington".

The New York Times

And the fights with mom are intense.

The New York Times - Books

Not getting into fights with other coaches?

The New York Times

Sometimes he picked fights with other boys.

The New York Times

Don't pick trade fights with the Chinese.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fights with", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the conflict is literal (physical) or figurative (disagreement, struggle).

Common error

Avoid using "fights with" when a milder term like "disagrees with" or "argues with" more accurately reflects the situation. "Fights" implies a significant level of antagonism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fights with" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of conflict or opposition between two or more entities. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English. It often describes a struggle or disagreement, either physical or metaphorical, as illustrated by the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

3%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fights with" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates conflict or opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, media and general writing. While "fights with" generally implies a struggle, the context can indicate whether the conflict is a physical altercation, a verbal disagreement, or a metaphorical battle. Consider using alternatives such as "argues with" or "struggles against" to more precisely convey the intended meaning. When using "fights with", ensure clarity regarding the nature and intensity of the conflict to prevent misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

argues with

Replaces "fights" with a less intense term for disagreement.

battles against

Implies a more prolonged and significant conflict.

struggles against

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty of the conflict.

quarrels with

Suggests a petty or ongoing dispute.

clashes with

Highlights a sudden and forceful disagreement.

contends with

Implies a struggle against something challenging.

has conflicts with

General term indicating opposing views or interests.

wrestles with

Suggests an internal or difficult struggle.

grapples with

Similar to wrestles, but often implies a more physical struggle or difficult decision.

disagrees with

A more neutral term, simply indicating a difference of opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "fights with" in a sentence?

You can use "fights with" to describe a conflict, whether physical or verbal. For example, "He often fights with his brother" or "The country fights with poverty and disease".

What can I say instead of "fights with"?

You can use alternatives like "argues with", "battles against", or "struggles with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "fight with" instead of "fights with"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "fight with" for plural subjects (e.g., "They fight with each other") and "fights with" for singular subjects (e.g., "He fights with his neighbor").

What's the difference between "fights with" and "competes with"?

"Fights with" implies a conflict or antagonism, while "competes with" suggests a rivalry where individuals or groups strive for the same goal. For instance, two boxers "fight with" each other, while two companies "compete with" each other in the market.