vicious row

USAGE SUMMARY

"vicious row" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a heated or aggressive argument or dispute. Example: "The two politicians engaged in a vicious row during the debate." Alternative expressions include "bitter argument" and "fierce dispute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Khan refused, sparking a vicious row.

The Guardian

A vicious row ensued, although what was exactly said remains a matter of contention.

The Guardian

After a vicious row with Angela Merkel, Germany's chancellor, Mr Sarkozy agreed to include the entire EU.

The Economist

After catching Brendan and Ste kissing, Rae resolves to raise the baby alone, but suffers a miscarriage after a vicious row with Brendan.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Despite increasingly vicious rows, they attended a writers' conference together in Madrid that spring.

The New Yorker

Adding to the speculation is a vicious family row between Liliane Bettencourt, the daughter of L'Oréal's founder and the world's richest woman, and her daughter, who will inherit her stake in L'Oréal.For the time being, Nestlé is prevented from increasing its stake in L'Oréal: neither Nestlé nor the Bettencourt family may buy shares until six months after the death of Ms Bettencourt, who is 86.

The Economist

Whaling ship logs from the 18th and 19th Centuries are filled with accounts of vicious attacks on sailing boats, rowing boats and swimmers.

BBC

Their silvery eyes stared out at us from their massive heads, mouths hanging open in vicious smiles, purple tongues resting on rows of pointy teeth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was a rough third quarter for Baynes, who was victimized by not one, not two, but three vicious Griffin dunks and tumbled into a row of photographers while wrestling Barnes for a loose ball.

Los Angeles Times

Leyland was appalled at the result, which as the row developed saw him caricatured as a vicious peacock trampling gold coins.

The Guardian

It is a bet, in other words, that the era of vicious splits and Euro-obsession is over; that the party is at peace, and no longer defined by its rows.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vicious row" to vividly describe a particularly intense and unpleasant argument, especially when you want to emphasize its severity and potential for lasting damage.

Common error

While "vicious row" is a valid phrase, avoid using it in casual conversation for minor disagreements. It's best reserved for situations where the conflict is truly significant and harsh.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vicious row" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing the type of argument or conflict.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vicious row" is a valid and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an intense and unpleasant argument. Ludwig AI indicates its appropriateness for depicting severe conflicts, particularly in news and media contexts. While semantically strong, its infrequent usage suggests reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such a forceful description. Alternative phrases, such as "fierce argument" or "heated dispute", can provide similar meaning with varying degrees of emphasis. Ultimately, "vicious row" serves as a potent descriptor when the goal is to highlight the severity and potential harm of a disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fierce argument

Highlights the intensity and passion involved in the disagreement.

heated dispute

Focuses on the emotional and agitated nature of the conflict.

bitter quarrel

Emphasizes the animosity and resentment between the parties.

violent disagreement

Stresses the potential for aggressive or harmful behavior.

acrimonious debate

Highlights the sharp and bitter tone of the discussion.

raging conflict

Focuses on the uncontrolled and intense nature of the confrontation.

intense clash

Emphasizes the direct and forceful opposition between the parties.

scathing argument

Highlights the damaging and critical nature of the exchange.

brutal confrontation

Stresses the harsh and merciless nature of the encounter.

ferocious battle of words

Emphasizes the aggressive and unrelenting verbal exchange.

FAQs

How can I use "vicious row" in a sentence?

You can use "vicious row" to describe a particularly intense and unpleasant argument. For example, "The negotiations ended after a "vicious row" between the representatives".

What are some alternatives to "vicious row"?

Alternatives to "vicious row" include "fierce argument", "heated dispute", or "bitter quarrel", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "vicious row" a formal or informal expression?

"Vicious row" leans towards a more formal or descriptive tone and is often found in news or journalistic contexts.

What makes a row "vicious"?

A "vicious" row implies a high degree of intensity, animosity, and potentially damaging exchanges between the parties involved.