argue the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "argue the point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing or debating a specific argument or topic in a formal or informal context. Example: "During the meeting, she was able to effectively argue the point that our strategy needed to be revised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was tempted to argue the point.

The New Yorker

Hard to argue the point.

The New York Times

(Biased listeners might argue the point).

The New York Times - Arts

City officials don't argue the point.

The New York Times

And, no, you can't argue the point.

The Guardian

But they did not argue the point.

The New York Times

Mr. Giuliani did not argue the point.

The New York Times

I'm sure there are many who would argue the point.

The New York Times

Even after some years, some people argue the point.

The New York Times - Arts

And I believe that one could argue the point persuasively.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was not a time to argue the point.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "argue the point" when you want to emphasize a reasoned disagreement, rather than a simple contradiction. It suggests that you're engaging with a specific aspect of the discussion.

Common error

Don't use "argue the point" interchangeably with phrases like "state your opinion". "Argue the point" implies a defense or debate around a particular element, not just expressing a personal belief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argue the point" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of presenting reasons or evidence to support a specific idea or position, typically in a debate or discussion. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from political discourse to personal disagreements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "argue the point" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of presenting reasons or evidence to support a specific position, often in the face of disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives such as "make a case for" or "defend the argument" exist, "argue the point" specifically emphasizes the act of engaging in a focused debate on a particular element. When using this phrase, ensure you're addressing a specific aspect of a discussion, rather than simply stating a general opinion. Therefore, "argue the point" is a useful and valid phrase for expressing a reasoned disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a case for

Emphasizes presenting arguments in favor of something, subtly shifting from disputing to advocating.

defend the argument

Focuses on protecting an existing claim against opposition, implying a more proactive stance than merely arguing.

dispute the claim

Highlights the act of challenging a specific statement or assertion, which might be more direct than "argue the point".

debate the issue

Suggests a more formal and structured discussion of a topic, rather than a simple argument.

contest the assertion

Implies a formal challenge to a statement, often in a legal or academic context.

challenge the idea

Focuses on questioning the validity of a concept or belief, possibly leading to a debate.

take issue with

Indicates disagreement or objection to something, often in a less confrontational manner.

question the premise

Focuses on challenging the underlying assumptions of an argument, rather than the argument itself.

counter the argument

Highlights the act of presenting opposing viewpoints to weaken or invalidate the original argument.

oppose the view

Directly expresses disagreement with a particular opinion or perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "argue the point" in a sentence?

You can use "argue the point" when you want to express that someone is trying to convince others of a particular idea or defend a statement. For example, "He was prepared to "argue the point", despite the evidence against it."

What does it mean to "argue the point"?

To "argue the point" means to present reasons or evidence to support a particular position or idea in a discussion or debate. It implies a focused disagreement on a specific aspect of a broader topic.

Which is correct: "argue the point" or "discuss the point"?

"Argue the point" implies a disagreement and an attempt to convince someone of your position. "Discuss the point"/"discuss the point", on the other hand, suggests a more neutral exchange of ideas without necessarily implying disagreement.

What are some alternatives to "argue the point"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "make a case for", "defend the argument", or "dispute the claim".