A quarrel is like a small fight with words.
People who are usually friends might quarrel.
They might be angry and say mean things.
But usually, they become friends again.
A quarrel is like a small fight with words. People who are usually friends might quarrel about something. It means they are angry and disagree. It's not a big, physical fight, but more like a strong argument. For example, two children might quarrel over a toy.
A quarrel is like a small fight with words. It happens when people who usually get along have an angry disagreement.
For example, if you and your friend argue about what movie to watch, that's a quarrel.
You can also say that people quarrel when they argue with each other.
It's important to remember that a quarrel is usually not a very serious fight.
At a C2 proficiency level, understanding 'quarrel' transcends basic definition to encompass its nuanced socio-linguistic implications. A quarrel, whether a noun or a verb, implies a rupture in interpersonal harmony, often characterized by a verbal exchange marked by anger or resentment, but typically falling short of outright physical confrontation or deep-seated animosity that might define a 'feud' or 'conflict'.
The term suggests a temporary, albeit sometimes intense, disagreement between individuals who generally share a positive relationship, making the reconciliation a likely outcome. Therefore, recognizing the subtle distinction between a quarrel and more severe forms of discord is crucial for advanced comprehension and accurate contextual usage.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
The word quarrel is a versatile word in English, serving as both a noun and a verb. At its core, it describes an angry disagreement or argument, especially between individuals who typically share a good relationship. Understanding its nuances can greatly enhance your ability to express disagreements in English.
- Definition (Noun)
- A quarrel, as a noun, refers to an angry argument or disagreement, often a verbal one, between two or more people. It suggests a temporary breakdown in harmonious relations, but not necessarily a deeply rooted or long-lasting conflict.
They had a bitter quarrel over who should do the dishes.
When used as a noun, 'quarrel' often implies a specific incident or event. It's a countable noun, so you can have 'a quarrel' or 'many quarrels'. It's common to hear phrases like 'to have a quarrel' or 'to pick a quarrel' (meaning to intentionally start an argument). The intensity of a quarrel can vary, from a minor disagreement to a more heated exchange, but it generally implies that the parties involved are still fundamentally connected or care about each other, making the disagreement more notable.
- Definition (Verb)
- To quarrel, as a verb, means to engage in an angry argument or disagreement. It describes the action of disputing or bickering with someone.
The siblings often quarrel about trivial things, but they always make up.
As a verb, 'quarrel' is typically followed by 'with' when indicating the person you are arguing with, and 'about' or 'over' to specify the subject of the disagreement. For example, 'They quarrelled with each other about money.' This usage emphasizes the act of arguing itself. It implies a back-and-forth exchange of angry words.
People use 'quarrel' in various everyday situations:
- To describe family disagreements: Parents and children, or siblings, often quarrel.
- To talk about arguments between friends: Even the best of friends can have a quarrel from time to time.
- To refer to minor disputes between partners: Couples might quarrel about household chores or small decisions.
- In more formal contexts, it can describe disagreements between groups or even nations, though in these cases, words like 'dispute' or 'conflict' might be more common. However, it can still be used to highlight a personal, heated aspect of the disagreement.
The word carries a slightly old-fashioned or literary feel for some, but it is still very much in active use, particularly in British English. It often implies a certain level of emotional intensity, but generally not physical violence. It's about words and feelings, not fists. The expectation, when using 'quarrel', is often that the disagreement will be resolved, and the normal good terms will be restored.
Consider the context when choosing to use 'quarrel'. If the disagreement is very severe or prolonged, or if it involves physical aggression, other words might be more appropriate. However, for those everyday, often passionate, but ultimately manageable disagreements, 'quarrel' is an excellent and expressive choice.
§ Mistakes people make with this word
"Quarrel" is a word that often causes confusion for English learners, particularly due to its dual nature as both a noun and a verb, and its specific nuance of disagreement. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
§ 1. Confusing it with a general argument or fight
- DEFINITION
- While a quarrel is a type of argument, it specifically implies an angry disagreement, usually between people who have a close relationship or are generally on good terms. It's often less intense or formal than a full-blown 'fight' or 'dispute'.
Many learners use "quarrel" to describe any argument, regardless of the relationship between the people involved or the intensity of the disagreement. This can lead to awkward phrasing or misrepresenting the situation.
Incorrect: The politicians had a long quarrel about the new law.
Correct: The politicians had a long debate (or argument) about the new law.
Correct: My siblings often quarrel over small things, but they always make up quickly.
§ 2. Incorrectly using it as an adjective
There's no adjective form of "quarrel" that directly means 'prone to quarreling' or 'full of quarrels'. Learners sometimes try to force such a usage, which sounds unnatural.
Incorrect: He is a very quarrel person.
Correct: He is a very quarrelsome person.
Correct: They often have quarrels.
§ 3. Using it without a preposition when it's a verb
- DEFINITION
- When "quarrel" is used as a verb, it almost always takes a preposition, typically "with" or "about/over," to indicate who is involved or what the disagreement is about.
Omitting the preposition makes the sentence grammatically incorrect and unclear.
Incorrect: They quarreled their parents.
Correct: They quarreled with their parents.
Correct: They quarreled over the inheritance.
§ 4. Overusing or underusing it
Some learners might overuse "quarrel" as a go-to word for any disagreement, while others might completely avoid it due to uncertainty. Striking the right balance is key to natural-sounding English.
Overuse: If every disagreement is a "quarrel," the language loses its nuance. English has many words for disagreements, each with its own connotations: argument, dispute, debate, disagreement, spat, tiff, squabble.
Underuse: Avoiding "quarrel" entirely means missing out on a word that precisely describes a particular type of angry disagreement between people who are usually close.
Example of appropriate use: After a long day, a small quarrel broke out between the tired siblings.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
The definition is straightforward, but understanding the dual noun/verb usage might add a slight complexity.
Using 'quarrel' correctly as both a noun and a verb requires a good grasp of its grammatical functions.
Pronunciation is fairly standard, but using it naturally in conversation in both forms could take some practice.
Understanding 'quarrel' in context shouldn't be too difficult, especially given the clear definition.
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Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"To pick a quarrel with someone"
To intentionally start an argument with someone.
He's always looking for an excuse to pick a quarrel with his colleagues.
neutral"To have a bone to pick with someone"
To have a grievance or complaint that needs to be discussed with someone.
I have a bone to pick with you about the way you handled that project.
informal"To patch up a quarrel"
To resolve an argument or disagreement and make amends.
After a long discussion, they managed to patch up their quarrel.
neutral"To be at loggerheads (with someone)"
To be in strong disagreement or conflict with someone.
The two departments have been at loggerheads over budget allocations for months.
neutral"To fall out (with someone)"
To have a quarrel or argument that damages a friendship or relationship.
They fell out over a silly misunderstanding and haven't spoken since.
informal"To kiss and make up"
To reconcile after a quarrel, often implying a quick resolution.
Even though they had a big fight, they always kiss and make up quickly.
informal"To bury the hatchet"
To end a quarrel or conflict and make peace.
It's time for them to bury the hatchet and move on.
neutral"A lover's quarrel"
A temporary argument between people in a romantic relationship, often considered not serious.
Don't worry, it's just a lover's quarrel; they'll be fine by tomorrow.
neutral"To cross swords (with someone)"
To engage in an argument or dispute with someone.
He's not afraid to cross swords with anyone who challenges his ideas.
neutral"To clear the air"
To resolve a misunderstanding or disagreement by discussing it openly.
We need to have a talk to clear the air about what happened yesterday.
neutralSatzmuster
have a quarrel (with someone)
My sister and I had a quarrel about whose turn it was to do the dishes.
quarrel with someone (about something)
They often quarrel about money, which causes a lot of tension in their relationship.
a family quarrel
The argument at dinner escalated into a big family quarrel.
a petty quarrel
It was just a petty quarrel over who got the last piece of cake.
end a quarrel
They tried to apologize and end their quarrel before it got worse.
pick a quarrel (with someone)
He's always trying to pick a quarrel with his colleagues.
quarrel over (something)
The children are always quarreling over their toys.
settle a quarrel
The parents had to intervene to settle the quarrel between their kids.
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Usage Notes:
Noun: A 'quarrel' refers to the disagreement itself. It can be used with prepositions like 'with' (to have a quarrel with someone) or 'about'/'over' (to quarrel about/over a topic). It often implies a disagreement that is less serious than a full-blown fight but more heated than a simple disagreement.
Verb: To 'quarrel' means to engage in such an angry disagreement. It is often followed by 'with' (quarrel with someone) or 'about'/'over' (quarrel about/over something). This usage emphasizes the action of arguing.
Common collocations: 'to have a quarrel', 'to pick a quarrel', 'a petty quarrel', 'a family quarrel'.
Common Mistakes:
1. Confusing with 'argue'/'fight': While similar, 'quarrel' often suggests a disagreement between people who usually get along, and it might be less intense than a 'fight'. 'Argue' can be used for any disagreement, even a calm debate. Overusing 'quarrel' when 'argue' or 'disagree' would be more appropriate can sound a bit formal or dramatic.
Example of mistake: "They had a big quarrel about the best way to solve the math problem." (Here, 'argument' or 'disagreement' would be more natural unless it was very heated and personal.)
2. Incorrect preposition usage: While 'with', 'about', and 'over' are common, using other prepositions incorrectly can sound awkward.
Example of mistake: "She quarrelled on him." (Correct: "She quarrelled with him.")
3. Using 'quarrel' for abstract disagreements without people: 'Quarrel' typically implies an interpersonal conflict. It's less common to use it for an abstract disagreement of ideas without a clear human element.
Example of mistake: "There was a quarrel between the two theories." (Here, 'disagreement' or 'conflict' would be more appropriate.)
Teste dich selbst 42 Fragen
Imagine you had a small disagreement with a friend. Write 1-2 sentences about what happened and how you felt. Use the word 'quarrel' as a noun or a verb.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My friend and I had a small quarrel about which movie to watch. I felt a little sad afterward, but we quickly made up.
Complete the sentence: 'Sometimes brothers and sisters _________ over toys.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Sometimes brothers and sisters quarrel over toys.
Write a short sentence using 'quarrel' as a verb to describe an argument.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
They often quarrel about small things.
What was the quarrel about?
Read this passage:
Yesterday, my neighbors had a loud quarrel about parking their cars. It sounded very angry, but this morning they seemed fine and were talking happily. It's good when people can solve their disagreements.
What was the quarrel about?
The passage clearly states 'my neighbors had a loud quarrel about parking their cars.'
The passage clearly states 'my neighbors had a loud quarrel about parking their cars.'
What kind of quarrel do Maria and Tom usually have?
Read this passage:
Maria and Tom are usually good friends. But sometimes, they have a small quarrel about silly things, like who gets to play with the new ball first. They always say sorry to each other after.
What kind of quarrel do Maria and Tom usually have?
The passage says, 'But sometimes, they have a small quarrel about silly things.'
The passage says, 'But sometimes, they have a small quarrel about silly things.'
According to the passage, why is it not good to have a quarrel with your family?
Read this passage:
It's not good to have a quarrel with your family. It can make everyone feel sad. It's better to talk calmly and try to understand each other's feelings.
According to the passage, why is it not good to have a quarrel with your family?
The passage states, 'It can make everyone feel sad.'
The passage states, 'It can make everyone feel sad.'
This forms a complete and grammatically correct sentence.
This forms a complete and grammatically correct sentence.
This forms a complete and grammatically correct sentence.
The children often ___ over trivial toys, making their parents sigh.
The word 'quarrel' fits best here as it describes an angry disagreement, which is common among children over trivial matters.
Their friendship was strong, but a small ___ about money caused a rift between them.
A 'quarrel' is an angry disagreement, which can indeed cause a rift in a friendship, making it the most suitable word.
Despite their efforts to avoid conflict, a heated ___ erupted over whose turn it was to do the dishes.
A 'heated quarrel' accurately describes an angry disagreement, especially over a mundane household chore.
She tried to mediate the ___ between her two siblings, but they were both too stubborn to listen.
To mediate a 'quarrel' means to try and resolve an angry argument between people, which fits the context of stubborn siblings.
It's common for couples to ___ occasionally, but they always manage to resolve their differences.
Couples often 'quarrel' or have disagreements, and the sentence implies a resolution, making 'quarrel' the correct verb.
He regretted the harsh words spoken during their last ___, wishing he could take them back.
Harsh words are typically exchanged during a 'quarrel' or an angry argument, indicating that 'quarrel' is the appropriate noun here.
Listen for the reason behind the disagreement.
Consider the relationship between the people involved.
Focus on the outcome of the potential disagreement.
Read this aloud:
Can you recall a time you had a minor quarrel with a friend?
Focus: quarrel
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Read this aloud:
How do you typically handle disagreements to prevent them from turning into a big quarrel?
Focus: disagreements, quarrel
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Read this aloud:
Explain the difference between a simple disagreement and a full-blown quarrel.
Focus: disagreement, quarrel
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Listen for how a minor issue escalated into a significant disagreement.
Pay attention to the cause and effect of the speech on the different groups.
Consider the importance of positive conflict resolution.
Read this aloud:
Can you elaborate on a time when you witnessed a significant quarrel and how it was resolved?
Focus: quarrel, resolved, elaborate
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Read this aloud:
Discuss the various communication strategies one might employ to de-escalate a potential quarrel before it intensifies.
Focus: de-escalate, intensify, strategies
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Read this aloud:
Explain the subtle differences between a 'quarrel' and a 'debate', considering their typical outcomes and emotional intensity.
Focus: subtle, debate, intensity
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Listen for the context of a disagreement escalating.
Pay attention to how the word 'quarrel' describes an underlying tension.
Notice how 'quarrels' refers to intellectual or historical disputes.
Read this aloud:
Describe a time when a minor disagreement escalated into a significant quarrel, and what lessons you learned from the experience.
Focus: quarrel, escalated, significant
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Read this aloud:
Discuss the various communication strategies one might employ to de-escalate a heated quarrel, considering both verbal and non-verbal cues.
Focus: de-escalate, heated, verbal, non-verbal
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Read this aloud:
Elaborate on the societal impact of public quarrels, particularly those involving prominent figures or institutions, and how they can influence public opinion.
Focus: societal, prominent, institutions, influence
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This sentence structure emphasizes the progression from a minor issue to a significant conflict, fitting the C2 level by requiring the precise ordering of descriptive adjectives and clauses.
This exercise challenges the learner to correctly place the adverbial phrase 'over their inheritance' and the relative clause 'that strained family ties' to maintain grammatical coherence and convey the complex nature of the dispute, suitable for a C2 learner.
This sentence requires a nuanced understanding of sentence structure, including the placement of the adverb 'irrevocably' and the prepositional phrase 'about differing political ideologies' to accurately describe the cause and effect of the quarrel at a C2 level.
/ 42 correct
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