before arguing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before arguing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a point in time or a condition that should be considered prior to engaging in an argument or debate. Example: "Before arguing about the details, let's first agree on the main objectives of the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Other candidates have tried this before, arguing that big-money negative advertising battles are bad for democracy, alienating voters.

The New York Times

Blair's critics have heard the 'nuclear defence' before, arguing that the Prime Minister is deliberately waving the shroud of his own future by constantly suggesting he might resign if he does not get his legislation through.

The Guardian

They had seen her the night before, arguing with her Jamaican husband Raymond outside Latimer Road tube station near Notting Hill, and they had started throwing racial insults at him.

The Guardian

He distanced himself from that finding more starkly than before, arguing that Iran's continued enrichment of uranium was a threat because the knowledge used to master that process could be transferred to weapons research.

The New York Times

Romney did all this without committing himself to anything particularly new on any of these issues; indeed, late in the debate he actually returned to the defense of non-specificity that he's employed before, arguing that it's a mistake for a would-be chief executive to offer too many details lest it hamper him in negotiations once elected.

The New York Times

3. Jeremy Waldron makes a powerful case for the importance of historical memory in his classic "Superseding Historical Injustice" (before arguing that the force of historical injustices can, sometimes, be superseded).

SEP

The rapper-cum-reggae-artist's has endorsed the president before, arguing four years is not enough time to turn things around for the country.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Some of our great presidents never held political office before," argued Mr. Robinson.

The New York Times

One has heard this lament before, argued with the same impassioned would-be authority.

The New York Times - Arts

We had made it through some rough exacerbations and pneumonias before, argued with insurance companies and hospitals.

The New York Times

Eden, who had succeeded Churchill as prime minister the year before, argued that the canal was Britain's "great imperial lifeline", especially for oil.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using a stronger verb than "arguing", such as "asserting", "contesting", or "debating", to more precisely convey the nature of the subsequent discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "before arguing" merely as a transitional phrase without a clear connection to a specific point or condition. Ensure that what precedes "before arguing" has a direct and logical relevance to the subsequent argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before arguing" functions primarily as a temporal preposition, indicating that the action of arguing is preceded by another action or consideration. As Ludwig AI suggests, it sets a condition or prerequisite for the subsequent argument.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "before arguing" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase that functions as a temporal preposition, indicating a preliminary action or condition before a discussion or argument. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's effective for establishing logical sequences in writing. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is versatile enough for neutral contexts, spanning from news and media to academic and scientific discourse. Consider stronger synonyms to suit more formal writing. Be mindful to avoid using it as a mere filler; ensure it genuinely connects a preceding element to the argument that follows.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior to contending

Replaces "arguing" with a more formal synonym, "contending", slightly elevating the register.

ahead of disputing

"Disputing" emphasizes disagreement, making the phrase suitable when the subsequent action is a challenge to a claim.

previous to debating

Using "debating" specifies a more structured and formal discussion than simply "arguing".

in advance of asserting

Emphasizes the preparation or planning aspect before making a strong statement or assertion.

on the verge of quarreling

Highlights the imminence of a potential disagreement or heated exchange.

leading up to a debate

This suggests a preparatory phase before engaging in a formal debate.

in anticipation of contesting

"Contesting" suggests a formal challenge or dispute, highlighting the expectation of disagreement.

preceding a discussion

Emphasizes the sequential nature of events, with a discussion following an initial point.

before entering a dispute

Highlights the action of becoming involved in a conflict or disagreement.

prior to presenting a case

Suitable in legal or formal contexts where arguments are structured as a case.

FAQs

How can I use "before arguing" in a sentence?

You can use "before arguing" to indicate something that must be considered or done prior to presenting an argument, such as "Before arguing about the budget, let's review our current financial situation."

What are some alternatives to "before arguing"?

Alternatives include "prior to debating", "ahead of disputing", or "previous to debating", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to have a literal argument after using "before arguing"?

No, "before arguing" can also refer to presenting a case or viewpoint, not necessarily a heated dispute. It signifies a structured presentation of reasons.

How does "before arguing" differ from "after arguing"?

"Before arguing" indicates a preliminary consideration, whereas "after arguing" implies a consequence or reflection following a discussion or disagreement. They represent opposite temporal sequences.