argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'argument' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a disagreement between two people. For example, "John and Jane had an argument over who should clean the dishes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are halfway through the mandate argument; the SG is done.

The New York Times

The legal argument focused on the challenge to core of the legislation – its requirement that almost all Americans buy health insurance.

The Guardian

"The rules are the rules," one Labour adviser said – regardless of the political argument about legitimacy that Cameron may make.

The Guardian

If you are not capable of being able to decipher between lobbying and fact, and if we are incapable of politicians to see both sides of the argument, then that's a fault that we have".

The Guardian

Felix Salmon explains why the first argument doesn't make sense with regard to broker-dealers.

The Economist

But it will be one strong strand in any argument to counter the really fundamental question of the pre-election period – whether a coalition produces the worst of all possible worlds.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course, none of that justifies state intervention by itself, but a powerful economic argument can be made.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her argument was to question why it is acceptable to discuss spending billions on HS2 to create links and work opportunities, but not on childcare.

The Guardian - Opinion

In similar cases, the court has wished to remain above the legal fray, leaving the argument to be fought out by the lower courts.

The Guardian

(This was the argument used by the Home Office to justify Miranda's detention - see 12pm).

The Guardian

"Ultimately they [the yes side] lost because they didn't have an economic argument," one senior Better Together source said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "argument" precisely to distinguish between reasoned discourse and mere disagreement. For instance, "present a well-reasoned argument" to avoid implying a mere shouting match.

Common error

Be mindful that presenting an "argument" does not necessitate aggression or hostility. Maintain a respectful tone and focus on the merits of your reasoning to effectively persuade your audience.

Linguistic Context

The word "argument" primarily functions as a noun, representing either a reasoned case or a disagreement. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from legal and political discussions to everyday disputes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "argument" is a versatile noun with a broad spectrum of applications, as confirmed by Ludwig. It encompasses both reasoned discourse and heated disagreements. The word sees frequent use across diverse contexts, from formal debates in News & Media and Formal & Business settings to scientific discussions and everyday conversations. Ludwig examples highlight its varied usage, reinforcing its status as a fundamental element in effective communication. While grammar is considered correct, it's important to use "argument" with precision, avoiding the pitfall of equating it with aggression. Related terms such as "line of reasoning" or "dispute" may better fit specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

line of reasoning

Focuses on the logical structure rather than a dispute.

dispute

Emphasizes the disagreement aspect of an argument.

debate

Highlights a formal discussion with opposing views.

contention

Stresses a point being argued or asserted.

controversy

Indicates a prolonged public disagreement or debate.

reason

Focuses on providing justification or explanation.

case

Refers to the presentation of evidence to support a claim.

thesis

Highlights the main claim or point being argued.

rationale

Emphasizes the underlying logic or justification.

justification

Highlights the act of showing something to be right or reasonable.

FAQs

How can I use "argument" in a sentence?

You can use "argument" to refer to a reason or set of reasons used to persuade someone that something is true or to a discussion in which people express different opinions. For example, "The main "argument" in his essay was that climate change is a serious threat" or "They had a heated "argument" about politics".

What is a good synonym for "argument" when referring to a disagreement?

If you mean a disagreement, you can use synonyms like "dispute", "debate", "quarrel", or "altercation", depending on the intensity and context of the disagreement.

What's the difference between "argument" and "explanation"?

"Argument" aims to persuade someone of a particular viewpoint by presenting reasons or evidence, while "explanation" seeks to clarify or describe how or why something happens, without necessarily trying to convince someone to adopt a certain belief.

How does the use of "argument" differ in formal versus informal contexts?

In formal contexts, "argument" often refers to a structured, logical presentation of reasons to support a claim, such as in academic papers or legal settings. In informal contexts, "argument" may simply refer to a disagreement or dispute, often lacking the structured reasoning of a formal "argument".