to bickering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to bickering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of engaging in petty or trivial arguments or disputes. Example: "Their conversation quickly escalated to bickering over the smallest details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Ms. Lopes sometimes spoke of leaving TLC, and the members admitted to bickering.

The New York Times

They are not angry men and women, but most are prickly and prone to bickering.

The New York Times - Arts

"There's going to be stakeholders, different opinions and different approaches, which lead to bickering like in any other marketplace".

The New York Times

Each having expected solitude, they fall to bickering — about a missing box of Triscuits — then separate in a huff.

The New York Times - Books

But he doesn't stoop to bickering – he has a backbone and he never steps down from a well-mannered discussion.

The Guardian - Opinion

And while Real's revolving-door policy has led to bickering in the past, Mourinho's forceful presence has kept the players in check so far.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The two sides continued to bicker over cabinet posts.

The New York Times

On Friday, the two sides continued to bicker over cabinet posts.

The New York Times

She says it is common for them to bicker over lab equipment and scheduling.

Science Magazine

If you start to bicker with your peers or family, then stop.

WikiHow

In 1988 Schwab's behind-the-scenes machinations got Greece and Turkey to agree to stop bickering.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to bickering" to accurately describe situations where disagreements are petty and persistent, rather than heated or significant. For example: "The debate devolved to bickering over minor details".

Common error

Avoid using "to bickering" when describing major disagreements or conflicts with serious consequences. "Bickering" implies a level of triviality that can undermine the gravity of a situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to bickering" functions as a prepositional phrase, often indicating a transition or descent into a state of petty argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes situations where discussions devolve into minor, often irritating, disagreements. Examples show its use in diverse contexts, from political debates to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

9%

Science & Research

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to bickering" is a prepositional phrase used to describe the act of engaging in petty or trivial arguments. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Analysis of various sources reveals that it most frequently appears in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While "to quarreling" and "to squabbling" serve as close alternatives, it's important to note "bickering" should not be confused with serious conflicts. When writing, use "to bickering" to accurately depict situations where disagreements are minor and persistent, and be mindful of maintaining a neutral to slightly informal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to engage in petty disputes

Emphasizes the trivial nature of the disagreements, expanding on the meaning of "bickering".

to engage in petty arguments

Underlines the minor nature of arguments.

to quarreling

Focuses on a more intense form of disagreement compared to the pettiness implied by "bickering".

to squabbling

Emphasizes the noisiness and triviality of the argument, similar to "bickering".

to squabbling over

Specifically pinpoints what disagreement is about.

to wrangling

Suggests a more prolonged and complex dispute than simple "bickering".

to arguing about

It is a more general disagreement, whereas "bickering" indicates a minor dispute.

to arguing

A more general term for expressing disagreement; lacks the connotation of pettiness in "bickering".

to fighting

Implies a more physical or aggressive confrontation than the verbal sparring of "bickering".

to disputing

Highlights the act of questioning or challenging a statement or idea, differing from the interpersonal conflict of "bickering".

FAQs

How can I use "to bickering" in a sentence?

You can use "to bickering" to describe a situation where people are engaged in petty or trivial arguments, such as, "The meeting quickly descended "to bickering" over minor details".

What are some alternatives to "to bickering"?

Some alternatives to "to bickering" include phrases like "to quarreling", "to squabbling", or "to arguing", depending on the context and intensity of the disagreement.

What is the difference between "to bickering" and "to fighting"?

"To bickering" implies a verbal exchange of petty disagreements, while "to fighting" suggests a more intense physical or verbal confrontation. The former is less aggressive and more trivial.

Is it appropriate to use "to bickering" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "to bickering" might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and nuanced language to describe the nature of the disagreement.