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.relationships
- In my opinion, a bitter dispute between colleagues can seriously damage the working environment, as it often leads to mistrust and poor communication.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: a bitter dispute (over/about something) (between people/groups)
WrongThey had a bitter argue over money.
RightThey had a bitter dispute over money.
'Dispute' is the noun; 'argue' is a verb — use 'argument' or 'dispute'.
Patterna bitter dispute (over/about something) (between people/groups)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Bitter dispute' is the natural strong collocation; 'acrimonious protracted disagreement' is overwritten.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
bitter + disputea bitter disputea bitter rowdispute overbitterly divided
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'a serious dispute' or 'a heated argument,' 'a bitter dispute' highlights the deep emotional hurt or ongoing hostility between the parties, not just the intensity or importance of the disagreement.