What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
altercations
Example
The altercation between the two drivers resulted in a car accident. [altercation: noun]
Example
He was arrested for his involvement in an altercation at the bar. [altercation: noun]
argument
Example
They had an argument about which movie to watch. [argument: noun]
Example
She argued that the company should invest more in research and development. [argued: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Argument is more commonly used than altercation in everyday language. Argument is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while altercation is less common and typically used in informal or legal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between altercations and argument?
Arguments can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while altercations are typically associated with informal or legal settings and have a negative connotation. Therefore, arguments are generally considered more formal than altercations.
