quarrel over

USAGE SUMMARY

"quarrel over" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a disagreement or dispute about a specific topic or issue. Example: They often quarrel over trivial matters. Alternative expressions include "argue about" and "dispute over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The quarrel over personalities will not subside.

The Economist

But why quarrel over semantics?

The New York Times

They'd quarrel over a fencepost here".

The Guardian - Travel

That can be put down to the quarrel over Iraq.

The Economist

A squabble is a noisy quarrel over a trivial matter.

The New York Times - Books

"They quarrel over the crumbs that fall from the table.

The New York Times - Arts

The pilgrims quarrel over what kind of stories they want to hear.

The New Yorker

He was under great strain when his wife started a violent quarrel over their child.

The New Yorker

Nor will it swiftly resolve their 50-year quarrel over Kashmir.

The Economist

Apple never had any quarrel over letting Flash work on its Macintosh computers.

The Economist

Through the fifties & sixties India & China were engaged in a quarrel over territories along the border.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In historical writing, this phrase is effective for describing long-standing international rifts where the cause is a specific object or treaty.

Common error

Avoid using "quarrel over" when describing minor discrepancies in scientific data or mathematical results. In these cases, the term implies a level of personal animosity that is usually absent. Instead, use "discrepancy in" or "conflict between" for a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quarrel over" functions as a phrasal verb that links an action of disagreement to its specific cause. According to Ludwig, it is most often used to introduce the 'bone of contention' in a narrative. It allows the writer to move from the act of conflict to the specific reason behind it, such as a bill, a territory or a child.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "quarrel over" is a highly effective phrase for describing disputes that involve a degree of personal or political friction. Ludwig data confirms its reliability across a wide range of high-authority sources, showing that it is a staple of quality English prose. While it shares semantic space with phrases like "argue about" and "dispute over", it carries a unique nuance of interpersonal tension. Writers should feel confident using it to specify the origins of a conflict in both journalistic and narrative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

argue about

General term for exchanging differing views, often less formal than a quarrel.

dispute over

Shifts the focus toward a formal, legal or academic disagreement.

clash over

Emphasizes a sharp or sudden conflict of interests or values.

fight over

Suggests a more aggressive or physical struggle for control.

squabble over

Indicates that the subject of the disagreement is trivial or petty.

wrangle over

Implies a long, complicated and often tedious argument.

bicker over

Describes repetitive, small-scale arguments typically between close associates.

feud over

Suggests a long-standing, bitter and potentially generational conflict.

contend over

A highly formal alternative often used in academic or competitive contexts.

altercate over

An archaic or very formal term for a noisy public argument.

FAQs

How do I use "quarrel over" in a sentence?

You can use it to identify the cause of a conflict, such as "The two siblings would often "quarrel over" who got to use the computer first".

What is the difference between "quarrel over" and "argue about"?

While "argue about" is a general term for disagreement, "quarrel over" usually implies a more heated, personal or emotional dispute.

Can I use "quarrel about" instead of "quarrel over"?

Yes, "quarrel about" is grammatically correct, but "over" is more common when the disagreement concerns a specific tangible object or territory.

What is a more formal way to say "quarrel over"?

In formal or academic writing, you might prefer to use "dispute over" or "contend over" to maintain a professional register.