quarrel

USAGE SUMMARY

'quarrel' is a perfectly valid word in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a disagreement or argument, either verbal or physical. For example: "The two sisters had a huge quarrel over who could borrow the car first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His quarrel was with his party, a quarrel he was ready to resume whenever the opportunity allowed.

The Guardian

Though the modern Troubles are over, every election in Fermanagh and South Tyrone reverts to this ancient quarrel: the struggle between unionists hanging on to their British identity in the frontier constituency and nationalists determined to bring the region into an all-Ireland entity.

The Guardian

Short of facing Osama bin Laden in a TV debate chaired by one of the Dimbleby brothers, Tony Blair yesterday came as close to taking the international community's quarrel with its "prime suspect" on to his home ground as he is ever likely to.

The Guardian

For a long time the quarrel was over nomenclature, and the authorities took umbrage over the use of the word coup.

The Guardian - Opinion

The integrity of their quarrel is one of the few institutions that have been unaltered in the cataclysm which has swept the world," Churchill wrote.

The Guardian

Perhaps that quarrel was the spark that lit the fuse of this week's poem?

The Guardian - Books

The opposition's quarrel is with the order of the two elections.

The Guardian

I have no quarrel with the idea that the BBC as a whole could not be spared.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a quarrel between substance and form, if you like, a question of emphasis – does a country's nature owe most to its history, or to its land?

The Guardian - Books

The overreaction –"terrific clamour" – "loud quarrel, world-wide" – recalls the way creatures behave in traditional animal fables when excited by raw need or vanity.

The Guardian - Books

There was a loud quarrel, world-wide.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quarrel" to describe a heated argument or dispute, often involving strong emotions. Ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the word.

Common error

Avoid using "quarrel" for minor disagreements or differences of opinion. Reserve it for situations involving genuine conflict and strong emotions; use gentler terms like "disagreement" or "difference of opinion" instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "quarrel" functions primarily as a noun to describe a heated argument or dispute. It can also be used as a verb to indicate the act of arguing fiercely. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "quarrel" denotes a heated argument or dispute, often characterized by strong emotions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While it can function as both a noun and a verb, it is essential to reserve it for situations involving genuine conflict. Alternatives like "dispute" or "argument" may be more suitable for milder disagreements. Avoid overusing "quarrel" in trivial situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dispute

A formal disagreement or argument.

argument

A discussion involving different or opposing points of view.

disagreement

Lack of consensus or approval.

altercation

A noisy argument or disagreement, especially in public.

contention

Heated disagreement.

falling out

A quarrel or disagreement that ends or damages a relationship.

row

A noisy argument or fight.

tiff

A slight or trivial quarrel.

spat

A minor quarrel or dispute.

wrangle

A lengthy and complicated dispute or argument.

FAQs

How can I use "quarrel" in a sentence?

You can use "quarrel" to describe a heated argument or dispute. For example, "The neighbors had a bitter quarrel over the property line" or "The quarrel between the two politicians escalated quickly".

What can I say instead of "quarrel"?

You can use alternatives like "dispute", "argument", or "disagreement" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "quarrel" or "argument"?

"Quarrel" and "argument" are both correct, but "quarrel" implies a more heated and emotional disagreement than a simple argument.

What's the difference between a "quarrel" and a "disagreement"?

A "disagreement" is a general lack of consensus, while a "quarrel" involves a more intense, often emotional, dispute or argument.