argue
B1neutral (used across formal, informal, spoken and written contexts)
Definition
Meaning
to give reasons for or against something; to exchange differing views, often with some emotion
to present a case or line of reasoning; to suggest or indicate something indirectly; to quarrel or dispute
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can denote both rational discourse (presenting arguments) and emotional conflict (quarrelling). The meaning is often clarified by context and prepositions (argue for/against/about/with).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both varieties use all senses. Slight preference in British English for 'have an argument' over 'argue' for the quarrel sense in some formal contexts.
Connotations
In both, the 'quarrel' sense is more colloquial. The 'reasoned debate' sense is neutral/formal.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties with no significant disparity.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
argue (that) + clauseargue for/against somethingargue with somebody about/over somethingargue + adverb (e.g., argue convincingly)argue + object (e.g., argue a point)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “argue the toss (UK)”
- “argue black is white”
- “argue someone into/out of something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in meetings to present a business case or debate strategy: 'She will argue for increasing the marketing budget.'
Academic
Central to academic writing for presenting a thesis: 'The author argues that climate change is the defining issue of our era.'
Everyday
Common for both minor disagreements and discussions: 'They always argue about what to watch on TV.'
Technical
Used in logic, law, and philosophy to denote structured reasoning: 'The barrister argued the defendant's innocence before the jury.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He argued convincingly for a policy change.
- They argued over the bill in the pub.
- The data argues for a new approach.
American English
- She argued passionately against the proposal.
- My kids are always arguing about video games.
- His silence argued guilt.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverb form. Use 'arguably'.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverb form. Use 'arguably'.)
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjective form. Use 'argumentative'.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adjective form. Use 'argumentative'.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My brother and I sometimes argue.
- Please don't argue with your sister.
- They argued about where to go on holiday.
- I would argue that exercise is very important.
- The lawyer argued that the evidence was unreliable.
- Historians argue constantly over the causes of the war.
- The minister argued cogently for diplomatic engagement, despite opposition.
- One could argue that the very concept of privacy is being redefined in the digital age.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a lawyer in ARGUEment court, presenting reasons (ARGUe) for their case.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (e.g., 'He attacked my argument', 'She defended her position', 'They won the debate').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'argue' for simple 'discuss' (обсуждать). Use 'discuss'.
- Do not confuse 'argue' (спорить/утверждать) with 'quarrel' (ссориться), though 'argue' can mean both.
- The construction 'argue that...' translates as 'утверждать, что...', not 'спорить, что...'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'We argued about to go.' Correct: 'We argued about going.'
- Incorrect: 'He argued me to go.' (unless meaning 'persuaded') Correct: 'He argued with me about going.' or 'He argued that I should go.'
- Overusing 'argue' for polite discussion.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'His shabby appearance argued a life of hardship', what does 'argued' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Discuss' is neutral exchange of views. 'Argue' can be a reasoned debate or a more emotional dispute. 'Quarrel' is specifically an angry argument.
Yes. 'They argue all the time.' (intransitive, meaning quarrel). It can also be transitive: 'He argued his point well.'
It is neutral. The 'present reasons' sense is standard in formal writing. The 'quarrel' sense is more common in informal speech.
The main noun is 'argument'. 'Arguer' is a less common noun for a person who argues.