quarrels

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "quarrels" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe disputes or arguments between individuals or groups. Example: "The two neighbors often engage in quarrels over property boundaries." Alternatives include "disputes" or "arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even so, it was not a night for quarrels.

The Guardian - Sport

But the UKIP, which has been engulfed in personality quarrels of its own since unexpectedly winning three seats in the European parliament elections last June, said it has held talks with a number of Conservatives who are becoming increasingly disenchanted with the Hague policy of "in Europe, not run by Europe".

The Guardian

A prominent Chinese human rights lawyer who used to act for artist Ai Weiwei has been charged with inciting ethnic hatred and "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" – offences that carry a 10-year jail sentence.

The Guardian

It did not matter that big cats died from wormy meat or stress, or that primates succumbed to illnesses passed on by humans or in violent quarrels between competing males.

The Economist

Protagonists in Greece's internal quarrels have long invoked external assistance, while furiously denouncing any foreign help given to their rivals.

The Economist

Besides deterring Afghan warlords from reverting to type and settling quarrels with guns rather than debates, the force is intended to secure the distribution of the humanitarian aid the country so badly needs.

The Economist

Its dispute-settlement mechanism is uniquely binding, tempting greens to use it to pursue their own aims, in quarrels that are not really about trade at all.

The Economist

They shunned quarrels; they could afford no wars, for they had no strength in manpower and no surpluses to be spent on arms".

The Economist

It may be hard to believe, but the quarrels of the last few months are about a relatively minor issue: how to conclude Greece's second bail-out.

The Economist

The period is virtually stamped in his wild boy, androgynous, Tatar image.There are a lot of aeroplanes, restaurants and quarrels in this book, but the saving thread, which Ms Kavanagh never really loses, is Nureyev's artistic seriousness.

The Economist

Think of America's disagreement with France over Iraq, India's border quarrels with China, or America's differences with its European allies over Bosnia.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quarrels" to describe ongoing or repeated disagreements, especially when referring to groups or entities rather than individual arguments.

Common error

While "quarrels" is acceptable in many situations, opt for more precise terms like "disputes" or "conflicts" in formal or legal writing to convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "quarrels" is as a plural noun, denoting multiple instances of disagreement or conflict. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in describing disputes between groups or entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quarrels" functions as a plural noun to describe ongoing or repeated disagreements, particularly between groups. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media. While acceptable in various contexts, using more precise terms like "disputes" or "conflicts" might be preferable in formal writing. The term is frequently found in authoritative sources such as The Economist and The Guardian, underscoring its relevance in describing real-world conflicts and disagreements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disagreements

A general term for differing opinions or lack of consensus.

disputes

Focuses on formal disagreements, often in legal or official settings.

squabbles

Implies petty or trivial disagreements.

arguments

Refers to disagreements expressed verbally, typically less formal than disputes.

clashes

Highlights direct confrontations or conflicts.

spats

Refers to brief and relatively minor arguments.

conflicts

Implies a more significant and potentially ongoing disagreement or struggle.

rows

Suggests noisy and public disagreements.

altercations

Suggests a heated or angry exchange.

fracases

Implies a noisy disturbance or brawl, often involving a group.

FAQs

How to use "quarrels" in a sentence?

You can use "quarrels" to describe ongoing disagreements or arguments between people or groups. For example, "The neighbors' constant "quarrels" disrupted the peace of the street".

What can I say instead of "quarrels"?

You can use alternatives like "disputes", "arguments", or "conflicts" depending on the context.

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

"Quarrels" is the plural form, used to describe multiple instances of disagreement. "Quarrel" is the singular form, referring to a single argument or dispute.

What's the difference between "quarrels" and "squabbles"?

"Quarrels" generally refers to more serious or significant disagreements, while "squabbles" suggests petty, minor arguments.