get into a scuffle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get into a scuffle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical altercation or a minor fight between individuals. Example: "The two players got into a scuffle during the game, leading to a brief interruption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Other witnesses reported seeing a man and a woman get into a scuffle with the victim, and said a scream for help was quickly followed by a gunshot.

The New York Times

"Is he a partner?" Hakeem asks, while making it known that he's no fan of Laz, the concert promoter, and the two get into a scuffle that's immediately broken up by Cookie.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A terrified Maureen begins to resist his attempts; the two later get into a scuffle.

Wikipedia

Moments later, the two men get into a scuffle and Jackson can be seen forcing Ramras to the ground.

Huffington Post

Rams defensive end Chris Long saw his brother, Bears guard Kyle Long, get into a scuffle on the field and immediately took action.

Huffington Post

Nobody wants to get into a scuffle.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Got into a scuffle with the poodle across the street".

The New York Times

He got into a scuffle with Keith Hernandez while the team was gathering for its annual photograph.

The New York Times - Sports

He got into a scuffle with Ralph Houk, then a Yankee coach, whose ring cut Duren over his eye.

The New York Times - Sports

A recent arrival on the block, Stuart Street, he got into a scuffle with one of the young men.

The New York Times

When the girls got into a scuffle, it made me think and wonder, what is she feeling right now?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get into a scuffle" to describe minor physical altercations or brief fights, particularly when you want to downplay the severity of the situation. It's useful when the context involves a disorganized or spontaneous confrontation.

Common error

Avoid using "get into a scuffle" when describing serious or violent confrontations. This phrase suggests a minor incident, so using it inappropriately can trivialize the situation and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get into a scuffle" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a physical confrontation. It highlights the action of engaging in a minor fight or struggle. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with various examples showing individuals or groups "getting into a scuffle".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

17%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get into a scuffle" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a minor physical altercation or fight. Ludwig AI validates this, as it is mostly found in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally neutral to informal, it's advisable to avoid it in highly formal or professional contexts, opting instead for stronger alternatives. Be mindful of overstating situations, as this phrase implies a relatively low-impact conflict. Alternatives such as "get into a fight" or "engage in a skirmish" can provide suitable substitutes depending on the intended nuance and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get in a fight

A more general term for a physical confrontation.

get into a brawl

Implies a more intense and chaotic physical fight.

get into an altercation

A more formal way of saying "get into a scuffle", suggesting a confrontation.

come to blows

Indicates that a disagreement escalated to physical violence.

engage in a skirmish

Highlights the brief and often unplanned nature of the confrontation.

tussle

Describes a brief and unorganized physical struggle.

have a quarrel

Emphasizes a heated argument, which may or may not involve physical contact.

have a clash

Highlights a conflict or confrontation, which could be physical or verbal.

have a disagreement

Focuses on the disagreement aspect, minimizing the physical element.

mix it up

An informal way to describe engaging in a physical fight.

FAQs

What does "get into a scuffle" mean?

The phrase "get into a scuffle" means to engage in a brief, disorganized fight or physical altercation. It typically implies a less serious or more spontaneous conflict than a planned or intense fight.

What can I say instead of "get into a scuffle"?

You can use alternatives like "get in a fight", "have a quarrel", or "engage in a skirmish" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "get into a scuffle" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "get into a scuffle" is more informal. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "get into an altercation" or "come to blows" to maintain a more professional tone.

How does "get into a scuffle" differ from "get into a brawl"?

"Get into a scuffle" suggests a minor, often disorganized fight, while "get into a brawl" implies a larger, more chaotic, and potentially more violent fight. The severity and scale of the conflict are the primary differences.