squabble broke out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "squabble broke out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden argument or disagreement that has occurred, often in a public or informal setting. Example: "During the meeting, a squabble broke out over the budget allocations, causing tension among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A squabble broke out between Mr. Das and his sister-in-law, Prakasho Devi, 75.

The New York Times

See articleA squabble broke out between Russia and Georgia after bombs severed gas pipelines and electricity links between the two countries.

The Economist

Big Boi and Andre 3000 of OutKast recently found themselves doing just that when a rather unseemly squabble broke out between candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination over who was best qualified to take the youth vote.

The Guardian - Music

After a squabble broke out with the new state government over job reservations for the group, 65% of the Jats voted this time for the BJP, which won the state by a narrow margin.To many people there is something sinister or quaint about accidents of birth fixing political behaviour.

The Economist

He crossed the causeway to the town of Johor Bahru in Malaysia.An international squabble broke out when it emerged in March that Mr Lee had submitted an affidavit in the defamation suit, arguing that Mr Tang's destination was baffling, since Johor was notorious for crime.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The example of the emergency responders might be instructive the next time such a dispiriting squabble breaks out.

The New York Times

At one point a squabble breaks out when Mr. Lewin stops the show to complain about his dialogue and let us know that he had hoped to do the story of the Little Drummer Boy.

The New York Times

Angry squabbles broke out because the square was too packed and people could not move around.

Independent

Squabbles broke out in parliament, with opposition members accusing the president of doing a secret deal with America (which he denies).

The Economist

Political squabbling broke out after a final count after the presidential election on Sunday showed a discharged army colonel and a banana tycoon headed toward a runoff on Nov. 24.

The New York Times

On occasion, the squabbling breaks out into the open.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "squabble broke out" to describe a sudden, often public, and relatively minor argument. It's particularly effective when the disagreement is unexpected or disrupts a previously peaceful situation.

Common error

Avoid using "squabble broke out" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "disagreement arose" or "dispute emerged" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "squabble broke out" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the commencement of a minor dispute or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable. Examples show it describing disagreements in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "squabble broke out" is a correct and usable expression, as verified by Ludwig AI, employed to describe the sudden onset of a minor argument or disagreement. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to informal tone. While grammatically sound, alternative phrases like "argument erupted" or "dispute arose" may be more appropriate for formal settings. The phrase is best used to depict unexpected, disruptive disagreements in relatively informal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

argument erupted

Replaces "squabble" with a more general term "argument" and "broke out" with "erupted", suggesting a more sudden and forceful start to the disagreement.

dispute arose

Substitutes "squabble" with "dispute", indicating a more formal disagreement, and "broke out" with "arose", suggesting a gradual emergence.

altercation flared up

Uses "altercation" to denote a heated argument and "flared up" to indicate a sudden and intense escalation of the conflict.

controversy emerged

Replaces "squabble" with "controversy", indicating a more public and significant disagreement, and "broke out" with "emerged", suggesting a gradual unfolding.

tiff commenced

Substitutes "squabble" with "tiff", suggesting a minor and somewhat trivial disagreement, and "broke out" with "commenced", indicating a formal start.

bickering started

Uses "bickering" to describe petty and continuous arguments, and "started" as a simple indicator of the beginning of the argument.

falling out began

Indicates the beginning of a breakdown in a relationship or agreement, using "falling out" instead of a direct conflict.

disagreement surfaced

Suggests that a disagreement, previously hidden or unknown, has now become apparent or public.

conflict ignited

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful start of a conflict, implying a rapid escalation from a dormant state.

quarrel initiated

Indicates the formal beginning of a quarrel, which is typically a more personal and emotional disagreement.

FAQs

What does "squabble broke out" mean?

The phrase "squabble broke out" means a minor argument or disagreement suddenly started, often unexpectedly and in a public or informal setting.

What can I say instead of "squabble broke out"?

You can use alternatives like "argument erupted", "dispute arose", or "altercation flared up" depending on the context.

Is "squabble broke out" formal or informal?

"Squabble broke out" is generally considered informal. More formal alternatives include "disagreement emerged" or "controversy arose".

How do I use "squabble broke out" in a sentence?

You might say, "During the meeting, a "squabble broke out" over budget allocations" or "A "squabble broke out" between the neighbors over the property line".