squabbling about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "squabbling about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where people are arguing or fighting over something trivial or unimportant. Example: "The siblings were squabbling about who would get the last piece of cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is already squabbling about forming a government in Perak.

The Economist

Though voters are sick of squabbling about Obamacare, health remains a live election issue.

The Economist

The insiders are squabbling about the right role for the outsiders.

The Economist

JD: I can remember a specific time we were squabbling about emptying the Diaper Genie.

The Washington Post

The two sides are squabbling about the lessons of the Games.

The Guardian

The precedent is discouraging: after three unhappy weeks spent squabbling about taxation, parliament was dissolved by the monarch.

The Guardian - Opinion

The scenes with MPs squabbling about Wellington's campaign on the Iberian peninsula could come from any period piece.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When one's house is on fire, the immediate priority should be putting the flames out, not squabbling about the insurance.

The Guardian

Justice Stein also said the court hoped the academy idea would not get bogged down in squabbling about money.

The New York Times

Their loss was our opportunity: while American artists were squabbling about politics, Damien Hirst was sawing cows in half.

The Guardian

States and localities are going to be squabbling about which ones should get special law enforcement aid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "squabbling about" to depict situations where disagreements are petty or trivial, lending a sense of lightheartedness or disapproval to the conflict. For more serious disagreements, consider using alternatives like "arguing over" or "disputing over".

Common error

Avoid using "squabbling about" in formal writing or professional settings where a more neutral or serious tone is required. Opt for phrases like "debating" or "disagreeing on" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "squabbling about" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, typically used to describe the act of engaging in petty or trivial arguments. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing various scenarios of disagreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "squabbling about" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe petty disagreements. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability in written English. While very common in News & Media, it's crucial to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "disputing" or "debating" in professional settings. The provided examples and analyses offer a comprehensive understanding of its usage, enabling writers to effectively and appropriately employ this phrase in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bickering about

Emphasizes petty and trivial arguments.

quarreling over

Suggests a heated and emotional argument.

arguing over

Focuses on the act of presenting differing viewpoints, less about the pettiness of the dispute.

clashing over

Highlights a strong disagreement or opposition.

disputing over

Highlights a formal disagreement or debate.

at odds over

Describes a state of disagreement or conflict.

wrangling over

Implies a prolonged and often complex disagreement.

contending over

Implies a struggle to win something in a disagreement.

differing on

Indicates a difference in opinion or viewpoint.

debating the merits of

Focuses on a more structured and reasoned argument.

FAQs

How can I use "squabbling about" in a sentence?

The phrase "squabbling about" is typically used to describe a situation where individuals or groups are engaged in petty arguments or disagreements. For example: "The children were "squabbling about" who got to sit in the front seat."

What's the difference between ""squabbling about"" and "arguing about"?

"Squabbling about" implies a more trivial or petty argument, whereas "arguing about" can refer to more serious disagreements. "Squabbling" suggests a less formal and potentially more childish conflict.

What can I say instead of ""squabbling about"" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "disputing", "debating", or "contending over". These alternatives convey disagreement in a more serious and professional manner.

Is ""squabbling about"" appropriate for professional communication?

While grammatically correct, ""squabbling about"" may be too informal for professional communication. Opt for more neutral or formal alternatives unless you're aiming for a deliberately casual tone.