had a row with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'had a row with' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as a phrasal verb meaning to have a heated argument or dispute with someone. For example: My parents had a row with each other last night.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

I had a row with my headmaster.

The Guardian - Music

"I had a row with a few people.

The Guardian

On Friday, he had a row with his wife in Paris.

Independent

I've had a row with my local tile shop and can't get a resolution.

Independent

The car stopped and the victim and his brother had a row with the man.

The Guardian

Hubert says he's just had a row with someone about the war in Gaza.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Did he have a row with teammates or officials?

The New York Times - Sports

"He's somebody who's difficult to have a row with.

The New York Times

Cassel eventually turns up at Versailles for the party and has a row with Montespan.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Getting home, she finds the police have already called and she has a row with her mother.

The Guardian - Film

You're in a fury, you have a row with someone and you write an account of it.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had a row with", ensure the context clearly indicates who was involved in the argument. Be specific about the subject of the disagreement for clarity.

Common error

While "had a row with" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "disagreed with" or "had a dispute with" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "had a row with" functions as a predicate, expressing an action of conflict or disagreement. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is used to describe a heated argument or dispute between individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had a row with" is a common phrasal verb used to describe a heated argument or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to informal contexts. More formal alternatives such as "had a dispute with" should be considered for professional or academic writing. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources. When using "had a row with", clarity regarding the involved parties and the subject of disagreement is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a disagreement with

Replaces the more informal "row" with the more neutral term "disagreement".

had an argument with

Uses "argument" instead of "row", implying a verbal dispute.

quarreled with

A more formal and slightly less common synonym for "had a row with".

had a dispute with

Similar to "had a disagreement with", but suggests a more formal setting or issue.

clashed with

Implies a strong disagreement or conflict, often due to differing opinions.

had words with

A more concise way of saying they had a verbal disagreement.

locked horns with

An idiomatic expression suggesting a direct and intense conflict.

was in conflict with

A more formal way of indicating a disagreement or dispute.

was at odds with

Indicates a state of disagreement or opposition.

exchanged heated words with

Highlights the verbal aspect of the conflict, emphasizing strong emotions.

FAQs

What does "had a row with" mean?

The phrase "had a row with" means to have a heated argument or dispute with someone.

What can I say instead of "had a row with"?

You can use alternatives like "had a disagreement with", "had an argument with", or "quarreled with" depending on the context.

Is "had a row with" formal or informal?

The phrase "had a row with" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "had a dispute with" or "was in conflict with".

How to use "had a row with" in a sentence?

You can use "had a row with" to describe a situation where two or more people engaged in a loud or heated argument. For example, "They "had a row with" their neighbor over the property line".