there was an argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was an argument" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a past event or situation where a disagreement or dispute took place. Example: "There was an argument between John and Mary last night over who should do the dishes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(I'll bet there was an argument over this).

The New Yorker

There was an argument.

The Guardian

There was an argument with a doorman.

The Guardian - Sport

There was an argument, a challenge was made to me.

Independent

There was an argument and they were pretty viciously attacked".

The Guardian

Mr. Johnson said the evidence shows there was an argument in Fresno.

Cornell University

The Bar Council chairman admitted there was an argument for the present system.

Independent

'There was an argument between a Jamaican guy and his Swedish wife.

The Guardian - Travel

If ever there was an argument for campaign finance reform, this is it.

The New York Times

You don't know if there was an argument, if they just had discussions.

The Guardian

(There was an argument about whether the newspaper's use of "steal" to describe "unlawfully misappropriated" funds was appropriate).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If detailing the argument, use active voice to keep the writing more engaging. For example, instead of "There was an argument that occurred", use "They argued".

Common error

Avoid vague language by specifying who was involved in the argument. Instead of just saying "There was an argument", identify the participants to make the sentence more informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was an argument" functions as an existential clause introducing the existence of a past dispute or disagreement. Ludwig shows many examples in news and media, like "There was an argument with a doorman".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there was an argument" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to introduce a past disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used neutrally across various contexts, primarily in news and media, to set the scene for a conflict or dispute. While semantically similar alternatives exist, such as "a dispute arose", they may subtly shift the focus. When using "there was an argument", ensure clarity by specifying who was involved and the subject of the disagreement. Be mindful of overusing passive voice and prioritize active voice for a more engaging and informative writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disagreement occurred

A more formal way of saying there was a lack of agreement.

a dispute arose

Focuses on the emergence of the disagreement.

a conflict ensued

Emphasizes the unfolding of the argument into a conflict.

a heated discussion took place

Indicates a passionate and possibly tense exchange of ideas.

a difference of opinion emerged

Focuses on the divergence of viewpoints as the core of the argument.

voices were raised

Highlights the heightened emotional state during the argument.

a quarrel broke out

Implies a sudden and often petty argument.

words were exchanged

A neutral way of saying that people were arguing.

tension escalated

Focuses on the rising tension that led to or was part of the argument.

an altercation happened

Indicates a more physical or aggressive form of disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "there was an argument" in a sentence?

Use "there was an argument" to introduce a disagreement or dispute that happened in the past. For example: "There was an argument over the budget at the meeting".

What's the difference between "there was an argument" and "there was a discussion"?

"There was an argument" implies a disagreement or conflict, while "there was a discussion" suggests a more neutral exchange of ideas.

What can I say instead of "there was an argument" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a dispute arose" or "a disagreement occurred".

Is it correct to say "there was an argument about" or "there was an argument over"?

Both "there was an argument about" and "there was an argument over" are correct, but "over" often implies a more significant disagreement than "about".