Note that we can often substitute a single verb (for example, to argue) with a common (or delexical) verb (for example, to have, to make, to give) + noun.

they were arguing they were having an argument
they rowed they had a row
she decided she made a decision

We use the noun form (argument, decision) particularly when we want to qualify it.

they were having a heated argument
they had a bitter row
she made an important decision

Look at this pattern:

(verb) with (noun) about (noun)

I quarrelled with Joe about the weekend.
The waiter joked with me about the weather.

The following verbs fit this pattern.

agree argue chat disagree fight gossip

joke quarrel row speak talk

Here is another common pattern:

(verb) with (noun) over (noun)

Joe argued with me over the bill.
The dogs fought with each other over the bone.

Verbs that take this pattern are:

• argue
• compromise
• fight
• quarrel
• row

Here is another verb pattern:

(plural noun) (verb) with each other

They debated with each other.
The fans fought with each other.

Another way of saying this is to use the pattern:

(plural noun) (verb) among (reflexive pronoun)

They debated among themselves.
The fans fought among themselves.

Verbs that fit these two patterns are:

• agree
• argue
• chat
• debate
• disagree
• discuss (something)
• fight
• joke
• quarrel
• reach an agreement
• row