argue for

USAGE SUMMARY

'argue for' is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to express the idea of advocating a particular point of view or trying to persuade someone to accept an opinion. Example: She argued for stricter environmental regulations in her speech.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Then argue for your position.

The New York Times

"I will always argue for democracy.

Independent

The difficulties will argue for themselves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet two points argue for new resolutions.

The Economist

And continue to argue for legalisation.

The Economist

This complexity doesn't argue for isolationism.

The New York Times

Others argue for flat equality.

The New York Times - Magazine

They argue for braver policies.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'd argue for coming clean.

The New York Times

Others argue for "claw-backs".

The New York Times

I let them argue for a while.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "argue for" when you want to emphasize the act of presenting reasons and evidence in support of a particular viewpoint or action. Be direct and confident in your assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "argue for" when you mean to express disagreement or conflict with someone. "Argue for" means to support a cause, while "argue with" means to dispute or debate with someone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "argue for" is to act as a verb phrase, indicating the act of advocating or supporting a specific idea, cause, or policy. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase is used in various contexts to express a reasoned defense or promotion of a particular stance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

27%

Science

29%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "argue for" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that means to advocate or support a particular point of view. According to Ludwig, it appears across various domains, including news, academia, and science. Its primary function is to persuade or justify a position. While versatile, it's important not to confuse it with "argue with", which indicates disagreement. Alternative phrases include "advocate for", "support", and "make a case for". When writing, ensure your reasoning is clear and logical to effectively use "argue for" to support your claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advocate for

Focuses on actively supporting or pleading for a cause or proposal.

support

Implies backing or defending a position or idea.

make a case for

Suggests presenting reasoned arguments to justify something.

plead for

Emphasizes a more urgent or emotional appeal in support of something.

push for

Highlights the effort and determination in promoting a particular outcome.

champion

Implies strong and enthusiastic support, often taking a leading role.

lobby for

Suggests attempting to influence decision-makers in favor of a particular cause.

press for

Conveys a persistent and insistent effort to achieve something.

defend

Focuses on protecting or justifying a position against criticism or attack.

stand up for

Implies publicly supporting and defending someone or something, especially when facing opposition.

FAQs

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

Use "argue for" when you want to express your support for a particular idea, policy, or action. For example, "She will "argue for" stricter environmental regulations at the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "argue for"?

Alternatives include "advocate for", "support", or "make a case for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "argue in favor of" instead of "argue for"?

Yes, "argue in favor of" is a correct and more formal alternative to "argue for", conveying the same meaning of supporting a particular viewpoint.

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

"Argue for" means to present reasons in support of something, while "argue against" means to present reasons in opposition to something. They are direct opposites.