Syntax

Verb patterns: verb + with + noun + about + noun

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

Verbs that follow this pattern are agree, argue, chat, communicate, consult, correspond, disagree, fight, gossip, haggle, joke, meet, negotiate, quarrel, row, speak and talk.

• I disagree with you about this.
• I was gossiping with the neighbour about our school friends.
• I was chatting with your teacher about your progress.
• Do you agree with me about the book?

Verb + with + noun + over + noun

• They fought with each other over the children.
• Don't quarrel with the waiter over the bill.

Verbs that follow this pattern are argue, compromise, fight, haggle, quarrel and row.

• We are prepared to compromise with you over this.
• I had to haggle with the street vendor over the price.
• Kim rowed with Chris over whose turn it was to take out the rubbish.