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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
What is the difference: fight, quarrel and argue
Hi,
He often quarrels with his wife.
He often fights (in words) with his wife.
He often argues with his wife.
Do all the three words 'quarrel', 'fight' and 'argue' fit in the sentences above? Could you tell me what their subtle difference is here if any?
Thanks
He often quarrels with his wife.
He often fights (in words) with his wife.
He often argues with his wife.
Do all the three words 'quarrel', 'fight' and 'argue' fit in the sentences above? Could you tell me what their subtle difference is here if any?
Thanks
Top answer
To argue and to fight are two different things. When two people are arguing it doesn't mean that they are fighting, they could be presenting their lines of argument in a calm and polite manner. Of course, an argument can turn into fight.
- To argue and to fight are two different things.
- When two people are arguing it doesn't mean that they are fighting, they could be presenting their lines of argument in a calm and polite manner.
- Of course, an argument can turn into fight.
- I think to quarrel and to fight have similar meanings, not sure though.
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17 Answers
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To argue and to fight are two different things. When two people are arguing it doesn't mean that they are fighting, they could be presenting their lines of argument in a calm and polite manner. Of course, an argument can turn into fight. I think to quarrel and to fight have similar meanings, not sure though.
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This is my take:
There are several words with similar meanings but different degrees of disagreement.
A spat/ squabble is a small verbal exchange , usually occasional in nature which usually ends quickly
A quarrel usually is more of a shouting match between two parties involved who try to prove to each other that they are wrong or at fault
An argument is an emotional exchange of
There are several words with similar meanings but different degrees of disagreement.
A spat/ squabble is a small verbal exchange , usually occasional in nature which usually ends quickly
A quarrel usually is more of a shouting match between two parties involved who try to prove to each other that they are wrong or at fault
An argument is an emotional exchange of
00
Thank you Akavall and Goodman very much for your answer. Goodman, according to your post, I have some questions to ask.
Do you mean 'fight' is physical violence when you said A fight typically is the violent resolution of the above?
Thanks
Do you mean 'fight' is physical violence when you said A fight typically is the violent resolution of the above?
Thanks
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A fight has a physical implication and a suggestion of unkind nature, whether it's verbal or physical, a fight is an aggressive attempt to overtake something.
The following meanings are extracted from ONline Dictionary:
To strive vigorously and resolutely: fought against graft; fighting for her rights.
To contend with physic
The following meanings are extracted from ONline Dictionary:
To strive vigorously and resolutely: fought against graft; fighting for her rights.
To contend with physic
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Hi Goodman,
Thank you again for your reply. What do you mean by emotional exchange of words for argument?
Thanks a lot
Thank you again for your reply. What do you mean by emotional exchange of words for argument?
Thanks a lot
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<<<An argument is an emotional exchange of words>>>
When people argue, i.e. husband and wife, usually each party believes the other is wrong. As the argument goes nowhere, and if there is any the voices of reason left, it will usually transform into a shouting contest. Unkind words are often used on the offensive and raw emotions eventually take over. That the picture I tri
When people argue, i.e. husband and wife, usually each party believes the other is wrong. As the argument goes nowhere, and if there is any the voices of reason left, it will usually transform into a shouting contest. Unkind words are often used on the offensive and raw emotions eventually take over. That the picture I tri
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Hi Goodman,
Thank you for your explanation. I'm afraid I still can't tell the difference. According to the online dictionary, argue means to disagree with someone in words, often in an angry way. I think 'fight' and 'quarrel' can mean the same as above. Is 'fight' the most serious situation and 'argue' is the least serious situation?
Thanks a lot.
Thank you for your explanation. I'm afraid I still can't tell the difference. According to the online dictionary, argue means to disagree with someone in words, often in an angry way. I think 'fight' and 'quarrel' can mean the same as above. Is 'fight' the most serious situation and 'argue' is the least serious situation?
Thanks a lot.
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Hi Anon,
I really don't hear "quarrel" very often, in the U.S.
If I felt that someone didn't have a good marriage, I might say "They are always fighting." I would (just about) never intend that to mean they had a physical fight, but they did not get along well together. Teenage girls and their mothers seem to be this way a lot too.
If there was a specific area of disagre
I really don't hear "quarrel" very often, in the U.S.
If I felt that someone didn't have a good marriage, I might say "They are always fighting." I would (just about) never intend that to mean they had a physical fight, but they did not get along well together. Teenage girls and their mothers seem to be this way a lot too.
If there was a specific area of disagre
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Unfortunately, anon, English is a language that is 90% rules and 10% variables. This 10% is what keeps learners confused. It will take a lot of reading, listening and observing before one can get a hang of how the natives use a specific word in the context.
GG is right, there may be examples in which the word “fight” is not physical in nature at all. i.e. “fighting a disease”.
GG is right, there may be examples in which the word “fight” is not physical in nature at all. i.e. “fighting a disease”.
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Hi Goodman and GG,
I'm very grateful to you both for all your help.
GG, I have some further questions as follows:
Is it because 'quarrel' is British English, it is not common in the U.S.?
Are 'quarrel' and 'fight' interchangeable when 'fight' means verbal disagreement?
Thanks a lot
I'm very grateful to you both for all your help.
GG, I have some further questions as follows:
Is it because 'quarrel' is British English, it is not common in the U.S.?
Are 'quarrel' and 'fight' interchangeable when 'fight' means verbal disagreement?
Thanks a lot
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