be argued with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be argued with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is open to having a discussion or debate about a particular topic. Example: "She is not someone who likes to be argued with; she prefers to keep the peace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

One overall change can't be argued with too strenuously.

The New York Times - Arts

But the effect it has on atmosphere - as in drama, not meteorology - cannot be argued with.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet I find Jason Manford makes me laugh, which can't be argued with.

The Guardian

It could be argued with conviction that he's already eclipsed them.

The Guardian - Music

God is a conversation partner, someone to be argued with, even shouted at, and listened to.

The Guardian - Opinion

The claims will be argued with reference to contractual and extra contractual liability under Colombian law.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He seems to be arguing with someone in his mind.

The New Yorker

Aren’t we supposed to be arguing with each other?

The Guardian

He looked happy to be arguing with his wife.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is argued, with Hunderi and Ryum, that P x) very likely has a cutoff.

Acta Materialia

Ever since life learned to communicate, it's argued with itself.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use a synonym like "be contested" or "be challenged", if you want to replace the verb "argued" with a verb that has a stronger or weaker connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "be argued with" when you intend to say someone is actively arguing. Instead, use the active voice: "He argued with the referee."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be argued with" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is open to discussion, challenge, or contestation. It suggests that a statement or idea is not necessarily definitive and can be questioned, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be argued with" is a versatile expression that conveys the possibility of disputing or challenging a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in News & Media and Science contexts. While synonymous alternatives like "be contested" or "be challenged" exist, "be argued with" maintains a neutral tone suitable for balanced discussions. Remember to use it in the passive voice to indicate that the subject is open to debate, and avoid confusing it with active voice constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be contested

Replaces 'argued with' with a more direct term for challenging or disputing something.

be disputed

Focuses on the act of questioning or challenging the validity of something.

be challenged

Highlights the act of formally questioning the truth or validity of something.

be debated

Emphasizes a formal discussion or argument about a topic.

be questioned

Suggests doubt or uncertainty about something.

be subject to debate

More formal phrasing indicating that something is open to discussion and disagreement.

be open to question

Implies that something is not settled and can be challenged.

be up for discussion

Highlights that a topic is available for consideration and debate.

be resistant to argument

Indicates a strong position that is difficult to refute.

be unassailable

Implies an inability to challenge or dispute something.

FAQs

How can I use "be argued with" in a sentence?

You can use "be argued with" to indicate that a point or idea is open to debate or challenge. For example, "This assumption can "be argued with" based on recent findings."

What is a more formal alternative to "be argued with"?

A more formal alternative could be "be contested" or "be subject to debate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can be argued with" or "can be argued against"?

"Can be argued with" implies that there's room to challenge or debate a point. "Can be argued against" suggests a position is flawed and arguments exist to counter it. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "be argued with" and "be debated"?

"Be argued with" suggests a more general openness to discussion or challenge. "Be debated" implies a more structured or formal discussion, like in a debate setting.