arguments

USAGE SUMMARY

"arguments" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe statements presented in support or opposition of a point of view. For example, "The professor cited several arguments in support of her proposed course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we'll know much more after the other side goes because arguments are often one-sided like this half way through.

The New York Times

We had a few arguments.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms Tuchman argued that a folly's success was marked by the determination of its supporters to pursue a foolish and failed policy in the face of clear arguments in favour of an alternative course.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the greater significance of that day in Dallas – beyond the arguments about the grassy knoll and the Zapruder film – is the effect the killing had on how the Kennedy presidency would be viewed thereafter.

The Guardian

On Monday, the US supreme court will hear oral arguments in the Sheehan case, to decide whether and how disabilities regulations apply to police policies and procedures during arrests.

The Guardian

Reading all this, your terminally lowbrow Lost in Showbiz couldn't help but be reminded of The X Factor, upon whose theatrical inter-judge arguments such confected conflict may well be directly based.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

UK Uncut's arguments received a simultaneous shot in the arm.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They had huge arguments but they settled on a system that prevented us from becoming too radical in either direction and forced us to deal with each other".

The Guardian

Foundation portfolio managers can make these arguments easily.

The Guardian

Whatever the rights and wrongs of the arguments over Athens' debt, and the prospects for growth while that debt weighs on the public finances, the country's major lenders – of which the IMF is the third largest – have tired of Syriza.

The Guardian

On redistribution, however, Caborn has often appeared woolly, too accepting of the Premier League arguments, leading to grumbles that he listens too much to Richards, a fellow native of Sheffield.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "arguments" to introduce complex discussions or legal stances.

Common error

Avoid using "arguments" to describe personal attacks or insults. The term should refer to reasoned points, not emotional outbursts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "arguments" is that of a plural noun, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As per Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English. It refers to a collection of reasons or points presented in support of or against a proposition, as seen in examples like "the arguments in favor of" or "counter the main arguments".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arguments" is a versatile and frequently used plural noun that denotes reasons for or against something, or instances of disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and widely applicable term in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, it functions to present cases, debate issues, or persuade audiences. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to distinguish between reasoned points and emotional outbursts. By considering related phrases like "debates" or "disputes" and avoiding the confusion of "arguments" with personal attacks, writers can effectively and accurately use this term in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disputes

Focuses more on the disagreement itself, rather than the reasons presented.

debates

Emphasizes a formal discussion or contest of ideas.

contentions

Highlights the act of asserting a point of view, often forcefully.

disagreements

A general term for differing opinions or conflicts.

reasoning

Focuses on the logical process behind a position.

lines of reasoning

Emphasizes a sequence of logical steps leading to a conclusion.

justifications

Highlights the reasons given to defend or support something.

rationales

Focuses on the underlying principles or logic behind a decision or belief.

claims

Emphasizes assertions made, often without full proof.

positions

Highlights a particular stance or viewpoint on an issue.

FAQs

How to use "arguments" in a sentence?

You can use "arguments" to refer to reasons for or against something, as in "The lawyer presented compelling "arguments" in favor of the defendant" or you can refer to a disagreement, as in "They had many "arguments" over money".

What can I say instead of "arguments"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "disputes", "debates", "contentions", or "disagreements".

Which is correct, "arguments for" or "arguments against"?

Both "arguments for" and "arguments against" are correct, depending on whether you're supporting or opposing something. For example, "arguments for stricter gun control" or "arguments against raising taxes".

What's the difference between "arguments" and "opinions"?

"Arguments" involve reasoned points and evidence, while "opinions" are personal beliefs that do not require backing from factual information. Opinions can be used to back up "arguments" and vice versa.