quarrel over whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quarrel over whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a disagreement or dispute regarding a specific issue or topic. Example: "The committee members began to quarrel over whether the new policy should be implemented immediately or after further review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The short-term money has more or less been raised and spent, although some nations quarrel over whether it was new money or simply repurposed foreign aid.

The New York Times

Your memoir devotes a considerable amount of attention to the years 1940 and 1941, and to the quarrel over whether the United States ought to intervene in Europe against Hitler.

The New York Times - Books

What's more, Americans will have little patience for an ideological quarrel over whether Congress merely ought to ask, instead of insist, that all votes get properly counted in the next presidential election.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Quarrelling about whether a fossil is "really" Australopithecus or Homo is like quarrelling over whether George should be called "tall".

The Guardian

The short-term money has more or less been raised and spent, although some nations have quarreled over whether it was new money or simply repurposed foreign aid.

The New York Times - Science

The quarreling over whether to take the deal has stirred up some of the co-op's most enduring and singular quirks.

The New York Times

The candidates quarreled over whether the proper response now was to enhance troop strength to try to end the daily toll of American casualties.

The New York Times

At worst, quarrels over whether, how and where Montenegrins should vote may turn violent and the vexed question of Montenegro's identity may be settled by force for the third time in a century.

The Economist

(The candidates have been quarrelling over whether a federal probe into a New Jersey nonprofit community organization constitutes a criminal investigation of Me-nendez. The fact that it does not has not stopped Kean from making the claim).

The New Yorker

That could not only increase internal tensions between the company's founders and its venture capital backers, who have reportedly quarreled over whether and how to take Google public.

The New York Times

In one of a multitude of recent articles in the liberal press about the dilemma of emigrating, columnist Zoya Svetova recalls arguments in her parents' kitchen during the late Soviet era, when people quarrelled over whether emigration was heroic or traitorous.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quarrel over whether" to clearly indicate a disagreement or dispute about a specific condition or choice. This phrasing is useful when presenting differing opinions or sides of an argument.

Common error

Avoid using "quarrel over whether" in extremely formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "debate over whether" or "disagreement about whether" might be more appropriate. The word "quarrel" can sometimes imply a more heated or petty dispute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quarrel over whether" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a dispute or disagreement regarding a particular condition or choice. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase is grammatically correct. The provided examples show its use in news and media to express disagreements on various topics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quarrel over whether" effectively conveys disagreement or dispute over a specific point. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use, mainly appearing in news and media contexts. While the phrase is valid and relatively common, more formal synonyms like "debate over whether" or "disagreement about whether" may be preferred in certain professional or academic settings. Understanding its connotations can help ensure its appropriate use in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dispute about whether

Replaces "quarrel" with "dispute", emphasizing the disagreement aspect.

argue about whether

Substitutes "quarrel" with "argue", focusing on the verbal exchange of opposing views.

debate on whether

Uses "debate" instead of "quarrel", highlighting a more formal discussion.

contend about whether

Replaces "quarrel" with "contend", suggesting a strong and persistent disagreement.

bicker about whether

Emphasizes a petty or trivial disagreement, using "bicker" in place of "quarrel".

wrangle over whether

Implies a prolonged and complicated argument by using "wrangle".

differ on whether

Indicates a difference of opinion rather than an active dispute, using "differ" instead of "quarrel".

have a disagreement about whether

Expands the phrase to explicitly state a disagreement exists.

be at odds over whether

Illustrates conflicting positions using "be at odds" to replace quarrel.

clash over the question of whether

Focuses on the conflicting aspect and rephrases the construction to include "the question of".

FAQs

How can I use "quarrel over whether" in a sentence?

You can use "quarrel over whether" to indicate a dispute or disagreement about a particular issue. For example, "The neighbors began to quarrel over whether the fence should be moved."

What's a more formal alternative to "quarrel over whether"?

For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "debate on whether" or "disagreement about whether" which convey disagreement in a less emotionally charged way.

Is it appropriate to use "quarrel over whether" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "quarrel over whether" might be too informal for academic writing. Opt for phrases like "controversy over whether" or "dispute regarding whether" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "quarrel over whether" and "argue about whether"?

"Quarrel over whether" suggests a more heated and potentially personal disagreement, while "argue about whether" implies a discussion with differing viewpoints that may not necessarily be hostile.