over/about

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K.O.

#205058 Fri, 10 Mar 06 09:54 PM

Quarrel over a matter, ...remains defiant over its nuclear ambition, etc.

Is there a particular situation in which you should choose over in preference to about or on ?

K.O.

Joined on Fri, Jun 3 2005

Turkey

Full Member (180)

.O.

Goodman

#205079 Fri, 10 Mar 06 11:55 PM

Hi K.O.

The verb "quarrel" is typically used with "over" but given a right context, "about" and "on" will also work.

Ex: Mr. and Mrs. Jones quarreled on / over the purchase of a boat for days which he only told her after the fact.

Goodman

Joined on Mon, Nov 7 2005

Calif. USA

Senior Member (3,243)

The name says it all!

Verbs

K.O.

#205083 Sat, 11 Mar 06 12:15 AM

Hi Goodman, thanks.

( By the way, what is it about your sentence, that makes it the right context for both 'on' and 'over'? )

K.O.

Goodman

#205087 Sat, 11 Mar 06 12:49 AM

That's where answers sometimes only can rely on your ears. Perhaps, true teachers can help us. Big Smile [:D]

Goodman

K.O.

#205092 Sat, 11 Mar 06 01:24 AM

Goodman wrote:
That's where answers sometimes only can rely on your ears (it is eyes, in my case.). Perhaps, true teachers can help us.

Answers can rely on your ears. It sounds like: Answers could be lying in your ears or You must rely on only your ears for answers, sometimes. Thanks again.

K.O.

paco2004

#205115 Sat, 11 Mar 06 04:15 AM

My dictionary (OED) says "quarrel" is commonly constructed with "over", "about", and "for". Actually, however, "quarrel for" seems to be of rare use. As for the choice between "over" and "about", the dictionary suggests nothing, though I personally feel "over" is more common at least in formal writing.

    (EX) The two countries have long quarreled over the ownership of tiny islands.
    (EX) Oh, please don't quarrel about me. Let me go home, and then all will be OK.
    (EX) They quarreled for the bread, because each wished to have the largest loaf.

paco

paco2004

Joined on Wed, Nov 17 2004

Senior Member (4,095)

In Japan today even dogs are learning how to bow-wow in English.

Goodman

#205396 Sun, 12 Mar 06 09:59 AM

I think "quarrel" is usually refered to a harsh verbal fight between people. To countires, I believe "dispute over" is more appropriate.

Goodman

paco2004

#205397 Sun, 12 Mar 06 10:08 AM

Goodman

Thanks for the advice.

Though they are among France’s smallest territories, the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon bear witness to an intriguing, often adventure-filled, history. After their discovery by the Portuguese in 1520, it was French navigator and explorer Jacques Cartier who claimed the islands for his homeland in 1535. Many of the early residents of the territory were of Basque and Breton origin and made their living from the sea, St. Pierre and Miquelon’s only major economic resource. As a result of the prosperous fishing trade, Britain and France quarreled over St. Pierre until 1863, when the Treaty of Paris gave France exclusive control over the islands.

paco

paco2004

Clive

#205446 Sun, 12 Mar 06 03:49 PM

Hi guys,

I'd like to offer a few more comments.

Generally speaking, I think 'quarrel on something' sounds odd, wrong.

Again generally speaking, 'quarrel about' simply indicates a difference of opinion. 'Quarrel over' has the additional suggestion that the point at issue is ownership or control.

Best wishes, Clive

Clive

Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004

Canada

Veteran Member (22,160)

El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo