physical altercation

USAGE SUMMARY

"physical altercation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical fight or argument between two or more people. For example, "The couple got into a physical altercation after arguing for several hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She then became "physically combative," the report said, and "a physical altercation ensued".

Los Angeles Times

A physical altercation ensued, and quickly escalated.

The New Yorker

It was not a physical altercation.

The New York Times - Sports

The two allegedly engaged in a physical altercation.

The New York Times

The shooting reportedly stemmed from a physical altercation.

The New York Times

When the two went inside the house, a physical altercation broke out.

The Guardian - Sport

The two men square off angrily, and it appears that a physical altercation is imminent.

The New Yorker

In the 1990s, Mr. Martin was jailed in a case in Florida involving a physical altercation.

The New York Times

Sergeant Barry Montgomery said that after the officers arrived "a physical altercation ensued".

The Guardian

Occasionally, there would be a physical altercation and an officer would have to intervene.

The New Yorker

We meet Drita D'avanzo, a buff young mother who enjoys physical altercation.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on events, use "physical altercation" to clearly indicate that the conflict involved physical contact, distinguishing it from a purely verbal dispute.

Common error

Avoid using "physical altercation" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "fight" or "scuffle" may be more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical altercation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object or subject of a sentence. It describes a specific type of event involving physical conflict. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in news reports and legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "physical altercation" is a noun phrase used to objectively describe incidents involving physical conflict. As evidenced by the examples on Ludwig, it is very common in news reporting and legal documents. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's important to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives like "fight" or "scuffle" for informal situations. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical conflict

A more formal and direct synonym for "physical altercation".

fight

A general term for a physical conflict, less formal than "physical altercation".

altercation

Focuses on the verbal argument aspect, while "physical altercation" specifies the physical component.

violent encounter

Emphasizes the violence involved in the altercation.

brawl

Implies a more chaotic and less controlled physical fight compared to "physical altercation".

confrontation

Similar to altercation, but can be either physical or verbal

scuffle

Suggests a brief and often less intense physical struggle.

clash

Suggests a brief, forceful encounter.

fracas

Indicates a noisy and disruptive disturbance or fight.

tussle

Implies a playful or not very serious fight.

FAQs

How can I use "physical altercation" in a sentence?

You can use "physical altercation" to describe a situation where people are fighting. For example: "The police arrived to break up the "physical altercation" between the two groups."

What's a less formal way to say "physical altercation"?

Less formal alternatives to "physical altercation" include "fight", "scuffle", or "brawl", depending on the intensity and context.

What is the difference between "altercation" and "physical altercation"?

"Altercation" refers to a heated argument or dispute, which may or may not involve physical contact. "Physical altercation" specifically indicates that the argument escalated to physical violence.

When is it appropriate to use the term "physical altercation"?

The term "physical altercation" is suitable when describing incidents in news reports, legal documents, or formal accounts where it's important to emphasize the physical nature of the conflict. It is commonly found in the news media and legal context.