started to quarrel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to quarrel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the beginning of a disagreement or argument between individuals. Example: "As soon as they arrived at the party, they started to quarrel over the seating arrangements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Afterwards, Caroline started to quarrel She accused Rod of being drunk, of saying the wrong thing & of having no idea what the dog meant to the people.

The New Yorker

But as they didn't realise this, they started to quarrel and blame each other for things that weren't the other's fault.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He becomes angry, and they begin to quarrel.

The New Yorker

Mrs. Allerdyce tells about another boarder, Charles a hairdresser, who started to cut her hair and while doing that got into a quarrel with another young man.

The New Yorker

Guess who's running it now Sitting pretty Risky bargaining Quarrels as usual ReprintsBut Abu Dhabi's profile has started to rise, quite literally.

The Economist

Experts quarrel about how important he truly was, and exactly when he started to fall from grace.

The Economist

JERUSALEM — After 10 days of public quarreling over Jewish building in East Jerusalem, the Israeli government and the Obama administration have each declared victory and started to make up.

The New York Times

Sinatra and Holiday fans will quarrel, but narrow matters to the post-jazz era and it starts to make sense.

The New Yorker

It is not religiously permissible for Muslims who live in the same country to quarrel about the days of Eid and when to start fasting.

Huffington Post

He and Margerie began to quarrel.

The New Yorker

Yet it has lurched from quarrel to quarrel with all its most important partners.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started to quarrel", ensure that the context clarifies the reason for the disagreement, providing a clearer understanding of the situation. For example, specify the subject of the quarrel to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "started to quarrel" repeatedly in a text without varying your language. This can make your writing monotonous. Use synonyms like "began to argue" or "initiated a dispute" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to quarrel" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a disagreement or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. It describes the beginning of a conflict, either verbal or physical.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to quarrel" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the beginning of a disagreement or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. While the phrase appears less frequently, it is suitable for neutral contexts, as seen in news and media. For varied expression, consider alternatives such as "began to argue" or "initiated a dispute". Ensure you give sufficient context to why someone has "started to quarrel".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to argue

Focuses on the verbal aspect of the disagreement. It's a direct substitute focusing on the act of arguing itself.

got into a disagreement

A more general term indicating a lack of agreement. It downplays the intensity compared to "quarrel".

commenced to bicker

Suggests a petty or trivial disagreement. Emphasizes the minor nature of the dispute.

started to dispute

Emphasizes a formal disagreement or challenge. It is a more official and reasoned divergence.

initiated a dispute

Highlights the formal beginning of a conflict. Implies a more structured or official disagreement.

started bickering

Indicates a series of small, irritating arguments. It focuses on the repetitive and annoying nature of the dispute.

entered into a conflict

Emphasizes the involvement in an ongoing conflict. It suggests a more serious or prolonged disagreement.

launched into a row

Implies a noisy and public argument. It suggests a more dramatic and visible disagreement.

began wrangling

Suggests a more complex and possibly underhanded argument. It implies a struggle for advantage or control.

embarked on a feud

Suggests a long-standing and bitter conflict. Indicates a deeper and more entrenched animosity.

FAQs

What does "started to quarrel" mean?

The phrase "started to quarrel" means that a disagreement or argument has begun. It indicates the commencement of a dispute between two or more parties.

What can I say instead of "started to quarrel"?

You can use alternatives like "began to argue", "initiated a dispute", or "got into a disagreement" depending on the context.

How can I use "started to quarrel" in a sentence?

You can use "started to quarrel" to describe the beginning of a disagreement. For example, "As soon as they arrived at the party, they started to quarrel over the seating arrangements."

Is "started to quarrel" formal or informal?

The phrase "started to quarrel" is neither highly formal nor informal; it's suitable for neutral contexts. However, alternatives like "initiated a dispute" might be more appropriate for formal writing.