their grudges

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their grudges" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the resentments or feelings of ill will that individuals hold against others. Example: "Despite their grudges, they managed to work together for the sake of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Their grudges, their grievances, their self-justification.

The New Yorker

But the play keeps reducing them to their grudges.

The New York Times

The students would have journals to record their emotions, their "grudges and gratitudes".

The New York Times - Magazine

During the campaign, it was the Leavers who flirted at times with the vicious and the divisive; now the Remainers are brandishing their grudges aloft.

The New Yorker

Perhaps if countries could put aside their grudges as we as a class have done, this world would be a more peaceful place.

The New York Times

He rightly disparages the abstruse theorising of academics who use literary works to prosecute their grudges about colonialism or the politics of gender.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Their grudging friendship is further complicated when they both fall for Marisol, a young volunteer who works with cancer patients.

The New York Times - Books

They met at center stage and shook hands before starting what the announcer called their grudge match.

The New York Times

The former undisputed cruiserweight and WBA heavyweight champion has not fought since stopping domestic rival Dereck Chisora inside five rounds in their grudge match last July.

Independent

"They are creatures who — in their grudge against the traditional 'opium for the people' — cannot bear the music of the spheres".

The New York Times - Science

Dereck Chisora has responded to David Haye's prediction of an early end to their grudge match by declaring he would be the "craziest" ever in the ring.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about conflicts, use "their grudges" to emphasize the personal and emotional nature of the resentments. This is especially relevant in narratives or analyses focusing on interpersonal relationships or historical disputes.

Common error

Avoid using "their grudges" when referring to legitimate or systemic injustices. "Grudges" implies a personal, often petty, resentment, whereas broader issues require terms like "grievances" or "complaints".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their grudges" functions as a noun phrase, where "their" is a possessive pronoun and "grudges" is a plural noun. It refers to the resentments or ill-feelings that a group of people hold, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "their grudges" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe resentments held by a group of people. As Ludwig AI points out, it's frequently used in news and media to explain conflicts or tensions. While acceptable in formal writing, be mindful of the tone and consider more neutral alternatives like "their disputes" if necessary. To avoid misusing the phrase, ensure you're referring to personal resentments rather than objective grievances. Remember that "grudges" implies a personal element, making it less suitable for systemic issues. Understanding these nuances ensures accurate and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their resentments

Replaces "grudges" with a synonym, focusing on the feeling of displeasure or indignation at someone's actions.

their animosities

Emphasizes the strong dislike or hostility between individuals or groups.

their grievances

Highlights the real or imagined wrongs that cause resentment.

their complaints

Focuses on the expression of dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.

their bitterness

Highlights the intense negative emotions associated with long-standing conflicts.

their feuds

Describes prolonged and bitter quarrels or conflicts.

their disputes

Refers to disagreements or arguments, often of a more formal nature.

their conflicts

Indicates struggles or clashes, which may or may not involve personal resentment.

their differences

A more neutral term, indicating points of disagreement without necessarily implying animosity.

their disagreements

Similar to "their differences" but slightly stronger, suggesting more active opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "their grudges" in a sentence?

You can use "their grudges" to describe long-held resentments between people or groups. For instance, "Despite "their grudges", they managed to cooperate on the project".

What's a good alternative to "their grudges"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "their resentments", "their animosities", or "their grievances" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "their grudges" in formal writing?

While "their grudges" is acceptable in formal writing, consider the tone. In some contexts, a more neutral term like "their disputes" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "their grudges" and "their complaints"?

"Their grudges" implies a deeper, more personal resentment, while "their complaints" suggests specific expressions of dissatisfaction that may not necessarily involve long-standing animosity.