wrangle

USAGE SUMMARY

"wrangle" is a correct word in written English.
It is a verb meaning "to argue or debate noisily or angrily" or "to gather together and organize". For example, "The two sides wrangled for hours over the details of the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Swedish television presenter has managed to wrangle a personal, one-on-one gig from Bob Dylan for a TV series exploring whether we humans experience performance differently on our own or with a crowd of people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At a summit on July 16th, immediately after the parliament's expected endorsement of Mr Juncker, leaders will wrangle over other posts, including that of the president of the European Council (representing leaders), the high representative (the foreign-policy boss), a full-time president of the Eurogroup (the euro zone's finance ministers) and the main commission jobs.

The Economist

North of the border, Mr Salmond is portraying a legal wrangle with the British government over how to hold his referendum as a conspiracy by "Westminster politicians" to keep Scotland's mineral resources.Defences can be mounted for Mr Salmond.

The Economist

The wrangle continues.There is more.

The Economist

Successes, such as Antony Gormley's huge (and hugely popular) "The Angel of the North", and the ongoing wrangle over who or what should occupy the spare plinth in Trafalgar Square, have helped to raise sculpture's profile.Two factors are driving this trend.

The Economist

Europe's political leaders will breathe a sigh of relief that they can now avoid a fresh wrangle when Mr Duisenberg steps down in a few weeks' time.

The Economist

Moreover, it has been paralysed for two years by a wrangle between the two main parties over the nomination of new tribunal members.

The Economist

A passport that will take you across most of the world's borders, without the need for a visa or a humiliating wrangle at a foreign embassy.

The Economist

But the new proposals, originally due out last month, have been held up by a wrangle between Germany and America (which has support from some others).The Americans contend that German regulators have put the interests of their own banks above a revision of the accord.

The Economist

That dilemma is at the heart of the present wrangle over nuclear power.Why they want nukesFor all its recent sense of failure, Iran still yearns to be acknowledged as a leading power, even the leading power, in the area.

The Economist

The row over Mr Green, which swiftly degenerated into a party wrangle, illustrates how far party loyalty has usurped some MPs' allegiance to Parliament itself.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wrangle", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean to argue/debate or to manage/herd. The intended meaning should be evident to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "wrangle" in contexts that require a more neutral or positive term for negotiation or management. "Wrangle" often implies a difficult or contentious process.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wrangle" is a verb, used to describe the action of arguing, debating, or managing something, often with difficulty. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wrangle" is a verb frequently used in news and media to describe arguing, debating, or managing something with difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and appears in a wide range of contexts, primarily in news sources such as The Economist and The Guardian. It is crucial to consider the connotation of "wrangle", as it often implies a challenging or contentious process. For neutral or formal contexts, alternatives like "manage", "negotiate", or "debate" may be more suitable. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negotiate fiercely

Emphasizes the intensity of the negotiation process.

argue vehemently

Highlights the strong disagreement and passionate discussion involved.

debate heatedly

Focuses on the intensity and emotional charge of the debate.

contend aggressively

Stresses the forceful and competitive nature of the disagreement.

manage skillfully

Shifts the focus to the adept handling of a complex situation.

maneuver cleverly

Highlights the strategic and intelligent approach to handling a situation.

iron out differences

Focuses on resolving disagreements and finding common ground.

hammer out a deal

Emphasizes the effort and persistence required to reach an agreement.

sort out difficulties

Highlights the process of resolving problems and complexities.

overcome obstacles

Focuses on successfully navigating challenges and impediments.

FAQs

How can I use the word "wrangle" in a sentence?

You can use "wrangle" to describe arguing or debating, as in "The politicians will wrangle over the budget". It can also mean to manage or obtain something through effort, like "She managed to wrangle front row seats".

What are some alternatives to "wrangle" when it means to argue?

When "wrangle" means to argue, you can use alternatives like "debate", "squabble", or "contend", depending on the intensity and formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "wrangle" to mean simply 'manage' or 'handle'?

While "wrangle" can sometimes imply management, it often suggests a more active or difficult process. Using "manage", "handle", or "organize" might be more appropriate in neutral contexts.

What's the difference between "wrangle" and "wangle"?

"Wrangle" typically means to argue or manage with difficulty, while "wangle" means to obtain something through cunning or persuasion. The key difference lies in the method used and the connotation of the action.