small dispute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small dispute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor disagreement or conflict between parties. Example: "The two neighbors had a small dispute over the property line, but they resolved it amicably."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Some $43 million, it seems, from a small dispute the New York Fed had with the bank on two of the mortgage securities.

The New York Times

While this seemingly small dispute was eventually resolved, the knee-jerk boycott threat does not bode well for the government's ability to cooperate in the future.

The Guardian

And Karabakh, a region with only 100,000 or so people, has been what diplomats call "a pebble in the shoe": a small dispute causing big discomfort.More than 600,000 Azeri refugees, mostly from Karabakh and nearby towns like Lachin and Agdam, are still homeless.

The Economist

Recalling an outbreak of violence two years ago, he explained how a small dispute was manipulated and treated as an outbreak of communal violence.

Huffington Post

"We have seen that large-scale conflict often builds from a small dispute.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Panchayats have operated for centuries, settling small disputes involving fights between families or over land.

The New York Times

Small disputes with the Indian security forces stationed in the Kashmir valley often drew enormous crowds very quickly.

The New York Times

Its Office of Justice Initiatives relies on volunteers for everything from the one-time cleanup of facilities to the mediation of small disputes.

The New York Times

Already, Trump has severed high-level diplomatic contact between the two countries, which is necessary to address misunderstandings and prevent small disputes from becoming large ones.

The New Yorker

The report stresses the radical overhaul of the court service that is required if ODR is to assist with small disputes.

The Guardian

Once again, she seeks the original models for those who figure in Levi's writing, provides reams of background information and systematically inflates small disputes.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small dispute", ensure the context clearly indicates the minor nature of the disagreement to avoid misleading the reader. For example, clarify if it was quickly resolved or had minimal impact.

Common error

Avoid using "small dispute" to describe disagreements with substantial consequences or long-lasting effects. This misrepresents the actual impact and can undermine the seriousness of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small dispute" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "dispute". It describes a minor disagreement or conflict. As Ludwig AI suggests, it correctly refers to a minor disagreement or conflict between parties.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small dispute" is a phrase used to describe a minor disagreement or conflict. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the minor nature of the disagreement. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "minor contention".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor disagreement

Replaces "dispute" with "disagreement", suggesting a less formal or serious conflict.

minor disagreement

Uses an alternative noun with an identical meaning and replaces "dispute" with "disagreement", suggesting a less formal conflict.

petty quarrel

Emphasizes the insignificance or trivial nature of the dispute.

trivial conflict

Highlights that the conflict is not important or significant.

insignificant disagreement

Combines "insignificant" to emphasize the minor nature of the issue and uses disagreement in place of dispute

slight difference of opinion

Focuses on differing viewpoints rather than a direct conflict.

minor contention

Uses "contention" which is a more formal synonym for dispute.

little misunderstanding

Suggests a lack of clear understanding as the root of the issue.

brief disagreement

Highlights the short-lived nature of the dispute.

petty squabble

Uses "squabble", which emphasizes the argument is noisy and over something trivial.

FAQs

How can I use "small dispute" in a sentence?

You can use "small dispute" to describe a minor disagreement or conflict, as in "The neighbors had a "small dispute" over the fence line, but they quickly resolved it."

What are some alternatives to "small dispute"?

Some alternatives include "minor disagreement", "petty quarrel", or "trivial conflict", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "small dispute" too informal for professional writing?

While "small dispute" is generally acceptable, for more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "minor contention" or "insignificant disagreement".

What's the difference between "small dispute" and "major conflict"?

"Small dispute" implies a minor disagreement with limited impact, while "major conflict" suggests a serious and significant clash with potentially far-reaching consequences. The scale and impact of the disagreement are the key differentiating factors.