argued about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "argued about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that people have debated or had a disagreement over. Example: "They argued about the best approach to solve the problem during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

They also argued about Iraq.

The New Yorker

People seriously argued about this.

The New York Times

They argued about this and then agreed.

The New Yorker

They argued about money, Mrs. Cheney said.

The New York Times

They argued about price.

The New York Times

That's what we argued about.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

What do you argue about?

The New York Times

They even argue about arguing.

The New York Times

And argue about them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Do you argue about work?

The New York Times

No one argues about this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms such as "debated", "disputed", or "contested" to avoid repetition. Context will determine the best choice.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "argued". While "argued about" is correct, phrases like "argued on" or "argued at" are typically incorrect. Always double-check prepositional usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argued about" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a phrasal verb construction. This construction indicates a past action where a discussion or disagreement took place regarding a particular subject. Ludwig's examples showcase its diverse usage in media and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "argued about" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that effectively communicates the presence of disagreement or discussion on a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal settings. When using the phrase, ensure correct prepositional usage and consider synonyms like "debated" or "disputed" for variety. Understanding its neutral register allows for confident application in various communication scenarios. The examples available through Ludwig provide valuable context for mastering its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differed on

Highlights a difference in opinion without necessarily implying an argument.

disagreed on

Focuses on the lack of agreement, rather than the act of arguing.

disputed concerning

Emphasizes the act of challenging or questioning something.

debated extensively

Emphasizes a thorough and prolonged discussion or argument.

clashed over

Suggests a strong and direct conflict or disagreement.

quarreled over

Implies a more heated or emotional disagreement.

had words about

Informal way of saying that people argued or disagreed about something

contended regarding

Formal way of expressing a dispute or debate concerning something.

wrangled about

Suggests a somewhat undignified or petty argument.

crossed swords over

Idiomatic way to say people sharply argued about a topic

FAQs

How can I use "argued about" in a sentence?

You can use "argued about" to describe a discussion where there were differing viewpoints. For example: "The committee "argued about" the proposed changes to the policy."

What's the difference between "argued about" and "debated"?

"Argued about" suggests a potentially contentious discussion, whereas "debated" implies a more formal and structured discussion. You could use "debated extensively" if you want to add a highligh the debate nature.

What can I say instead of "argued about"?

You can use alternatives like "disagreed on", "differed on", or "contended regarding", depending on the context.

Is "argued about" formal or informal?

"Argued about" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.