argue against

USAGE SUMMARY

"argue against" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to present opposing ideas or express disagreement, such as in the sentence "He argued against her proposal for a new tax system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hard to argue against prayer.

The New York Times

Few argue against independence.

The New York Times

Who could argue against such a change?

The New Yorker

Joel continued to argue against playing it.

The New Yorker

But two things argue against such concerns.

The Economist

Prosecutors said they would argue against bail.

The New York Times

Transparency is hard to argue against".

The New York Times - Health

No one would argue against that.

The Economist

Many would argue against this.

The Guardian - Music

Nobody could argue against growth.

The Guardian

"I can't argue against it".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "argue against" when you want to present a reasoned case against a particular idea, proposal, or action. It implies a more formal or structured disagreement than simply disagreeing.

Common error

While "argue against" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In less formal settings, consider using alternatives like "disagree with" or "oppose" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argue against" functions as a verb phrase used to express disagreement or opposition towards a specific idea, proposal, or action. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's used to present reasons and evidence to challenge or refute a particular viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

30%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Opinion

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "argue against" is a versatile verb phrase used to express disagreement or opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears frequently in news articles, scientific publications, and academic papers, indicating a neutral to formal register. When aiming for a more casual tone, consider alternatives like "disagree with" or "object to". Remember that "argue against" implies a reasoned case against something, making it suitable for situations where you want to present a structured argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason against

Implies using logical arguments to dissuade or oppose something.

oppose

Indicates resistance or antagonism towards a particular idea or action.

object to

Expresses disapproval or disagreement with something.

dispute

A more concise synonym for "argue against", implying a formal disagreement or challenge.

take issue with

Suggests singling out a specific point for disagreement or debate.

rebut

Means to attempt to disprove or invalidate an argument or claim.

counter

Suggests presenting an opposing argument or viewpoint in response to a previous one.

contradict

Suggests stating the opposite of what someone else has said or claimed.

challenge

Implies questioning or contesting the validity or accuracy of something.

dissent from

Indicates a formal or public disagreement with a prevailing opinion or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "argue against" in a sentence?

You can use "argue against" to express opposition to an idea or action. For example, "The lawyer will argue against the new evidence presented in court."

What's a simpler way to say "argue against"?

Alternatives include "disagree with", "oppose", or "object to", which might be more suitable for informal contexts.

Is it better to say "argue against" or "disagree with"?

"Argue against" implies a more structured and reasoned opposition, while "disagree with" is a more general term for expressing a difference of opinion. The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

What's the difference between "argue against" and "counter"?

"Argue against" involves presenting reasons against something, while "counter" suggests presenting an opposing argument or viewpoint in direct response. "Counter" often implies a more immediate or reactive opposition.