Grammar fix
a bitter dispute
acrimonious quarrel
a serious argument or disagreement that is full of anger, resentment, or strong negative feelings, often lasting a long time and making it hard for the people involved to reconcile.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The two companies have been locked in a bitter dispute over the rights to the new technology for years.
In my opinion, a bitter dispute between colleagues can seriously damage the working environment, as it often leads to mistrust and poor communication.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: They had a bitter argue over money.
Say: They had a bitter dispute over money.
'Dispute' is the noun; 'argue' is a verb — use 'argument' or 'dispute'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Bitter dispute' is the natural strong collocation; 'acrimonious protracted disagreement' is overwritten.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
bitter + dispute
- a bitter dispute
- a bitter row
- dispute over
- bitterly divided