Phrasal verbs with “Argue” in English
Phrasal Verbs with “Argue”: Meanings, Examples, and Useful Expressions
What Does “Argue” Mean?
Argue [ˈɑːɡ.juː] is a verb used to describe discussions, disagreements, or the act of explaining a point of view. It has several main meanings:
- To disagree or quarrel (expressing opposition to someone) Example: They always argue about money.
- To reason or prove (giving reasons or evidence) Example: She argued that the decision was unfair.
- To discuss something (analyzing a subject in conversation) Example: The lawyer argued the case in court.
- To be proof of something Example: The data argues in favor of this theory.
Phrasal Verbs with “Argue”
Phrasal verbs with “argue” help expand vocabulary and make speech more natural. Here are the most common ones:
1. Argue about – to argue over something
Example: They argued about who should pay the bill.
2. Argue against – to oppose something, to object
Example: Many scientists argue against the use of plastic.
3. Argue for – to support something, to advocate
Example: The activists argued for stronger environmental laws.
4. Argue with – to argue with someone
Example: I don’t want to argue with you.
5. Argue down – to defeat someone in an argument or to lower a price
- Example: He tried to argue me down, but I stood my ground.
- Example: She argued the seller down to a lower price.
- Example: They argued down the proposal at the meeting.
6. Argue out – to discuss a problem to find a solution
Example: They argued out the details before signing the contract.
7. Argue back – to talk back, to argue in response
Example: Don’t argue back to your parents!
Phrasal Verbs with “Argue”: Quick Reference Table
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Argue about | To argue over something | They argued about politics. |
| Argue against | To oppose, to object | Many scientists argue against pollution. |
| Argue for | To support, to advocate | She argued for better education policies. |
| Argue with | To argue with someone | I don’t want to argue with you. |
| Argue down | To defeat in an argument, to lower a price | She argued the price down. |
| Argue out | To discuss a problem to find a solution | We argued out the issue. |
| Argue back | To talk back, to argue in response | Don’t argue back! |
Expressions and Idioms with “Argue”
1. For the sake of argument – assuming something for discussion purposes
Example: For the sake of argument, let’s say you’re right.
2. It stands to argue – it can be stated that…
Example: It stands to argue that climate change is real.
3. Beyond argument – undeniable, without a doubt
Example: His talent is beyond argument.
4. Argue the toss – to keep arguing after a decision has been made
Example: There’s no point in arguing the toss; the decision is final.
5. Can’t argue with that – impossible to disagree
Example: He’s the best player in the team. You can’t argue with that.
6. Argue someone out of something – to persuade someone not to do something
Example: She tried to argue him out of quitting his job.
7. Argue someone into something – to convince someone to do something
Example: They argued him into accepting the offer.
Conclusion
The verb “argue” is used to describe disagreements, discussions, and reasoning. Phrasal verbs like argue about, argue against, argue for, argue with, argue down, argue out, argue back can help make your English sound more natural.