Cool MateArgue vs Quarrel
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Argue
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Quarrel
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Argue
| Argue | Quarrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɑːɡjuː/","/ˈɑːɡjuːz/","/ˈɑːɡjuːd/","/ˈɑːɡjuːɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɑːrɡjuː/","/ˈɑːrɡjuːz/","/ˈɑːrɡjuːd/","/ˈɑːrɡjuːɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈkwɒr.əl//🇺🇸 //ˈkwɔːr.əl// |
| Meaning | To express different opinions or disagree with someone. | A loud argument or fight. |
| Example | They often argue about where to go on vacation. | They had a loud quarrel in the middle of the street. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | bitterly, fiercely, furiously, about, over, with, forcefully, passionately, strenuously, wish to, be prepared to, attempt to, against, for, in favour/favor of | have a quarrel, squabble and quarrel, quarrel with someone |
| Antonyms | agree, reconcile | agreement, harmony, accord |
| Common mistakes | Mixing up 'argue' with 'discuss', which has a more neutral connotation., Using 'argue' without specifying the person or topic., Confusing 'argue' with 'arguably', which is used to present a point. | Confusing 'quarrel' with 'argument' when they have slightly different connotations., Using 'quarrel' only as a noun, forgetting it can also be a verb., Overusing in formal contexts where 'disagreement' or 'discussion' might fit better. |
| Usage notes | Used in both serious and casual conversations. Avoid in formal writing. Common in discussions, debates, or when conflicts arise. | Used to describe a disagreement that may become heated. More common in spoken English than in formal written contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Argue vs Quarrel
What's the difference between Argue and Quarrel?
Argue: To express different opinions or disagree with someone. Quarrel: A loud argument or fight.
Which is more common: Argue and Quarrel?
Argue is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Argue: They often argue about where to go on vacation. Quarrel: They had a loud quarrel in the middle of the street.
Can I use Argue and Quarrel interchangeably?
Not always. Argue and Quarrel are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.