argue over

USAGE SUMMARY

"argue over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when two or more people are having an intense discussion or quarrel about a particular topic. For example: The two siblings argued over who should do the dishes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Would that be lots of fun to argue over, too?

The New York Times

Neighbors argue over parking spaces.

The New York Times

What do you argue over?

The New York Times

Politicians like to argue over it.

The Economist

We argue over which is more delicious.

The Guardian - Travel

We'll just argue over it like now.

The Guardian

But the scientists argue over various points.

The New Yorker

Economists and politicians argue over how much prices will rise.

The New York Times

My husband and I argue over what's best.

The New York Times

If only we had a Corelli to argue over today.

The New York Times - Arts

The two sides also argue over the government's make-up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "argue over", ensure the subject of the argument is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The committee members argued over the budget allocation" is more precise than "They argued over it."

Common error

In highly formal writing, consider more nuanced alternatives to "argue over" such as "debate", "dispute", or "deliberate" to maintain a professional tone. Using "argue over" might be perceived as too informal or emotionally charged in certain academic or business contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argue over" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a disagreement or dispute about a particular subject. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it's commonly used to describe disagreements ranging from trivial matters to more significant issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "argue over" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe disagreements or debates, although formality should be considered. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in reporting on conflicts and disputes. While alternatives exist for more formal or nuanced expression, "argue over" remains a versatile and readily understood phrase for expressing contention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dispute about

Focuses more on a formal disagreement or questioning the validity of something.

debate about

Suggests a more structured and potentially public discussion.

quarrel about

Implies a more heated and personal disagreement.

bicker about

Describes a petty and often childish argument.

contend over

Suggests a struggle or competition for something.

clash over

Implies a direct confrontation or conflict.

wrangling over

Highlights a prolonged and often frustrating argument.

differ on

Indicates a simple difference of opinion without necessarily implying an argument.

have a disagreement on

Formally express difference in opinion

be at odds over

Indicates a fundamental disagreement or conflict of interests.

FAQs

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

You can use "argue over" to describe a disagreement or debate between two or more parties. For example, "The siblings often argue over which TV show to watch".

What are some alternatives to "argue over"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "dispute about", "debate about", or "quarrel about".

Is it appropriate to use "argue over" in formal writing?

While "argue over" is grammatically correct, it may be perceived as informal in certain contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "discuss" or "debate" in academic or business writing.

What's the difference between "argue over" and "discuss"?

"Argue over" implies a disagreement or conflict, while "discuss" suggests a more neutral exchange of ideas. You might "argue over" politics but "discuss" project plans.