to argue whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"to argue whether" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce either a hypothetical proposition about a topic or a discussion about two conflicting points of view on a subject. For example: "The class had a lively discussion as they argued whether or not it was ethical to experiment on animals for scientific research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Western investigators continue to argue whether Libya had direct involvement in the event.

The New Yorker

I like to argue whether it's with my brothers and sisters or on TV.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We're not here to argue whether stop-and-frisk is a wise police tactic," Mr. Charney said.

The New York Times

Mr. Hagel, as the civilian leader of the Pentagon and a political appointee to the president's cabinet, is certainly empowered to argue whether to use force.

The New York Times

I leave to lawyers – if any care to waste the time – to argue whether making that PDF available crossed any line in the copyright law.

The New York Times

Sure, it's difficult to argue whether jokes work or not - the same way you ultimately can't say why something moves you, or doesn't.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Holmes fans are world-class pedants when it comes to arguing whether or not their hero put an illegal bet on a horse in the story "Silver Blaze", but they're far from academic purists.

Independent

Turn on morning TV and there are teams of experts who battle it out over Renee Zellweger's latest eyelift then switch, miraculously, to arguing whether climate change is real.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

CRIMINOLOGISTS love to argue about whether acquisitive crime inexorably rises in hard times.

The Economist

But the country will continue to argue over whether they were genocidal.

The Economist

He said: 'I didn't come here to argue over whether or not to do it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you use this phrase, confirm that the subject is capable of presenting and defending a point of view.

Common error

Avoid using "to argue whether" when there is no actual debate or differing viewpoints involved. For scenarios involving simple choices, use alternatives like "to decide if" or "to determine whether" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to argue whether" functions as an infinitive phrase introducing a clause that presents a point of contention or debate. As noted by Ludwig, it sets the stage for exploring different sides of an issue. It indicates that the speaker intends to present reasons for or against a particular proposition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to argue whether" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a debate or discussion about a specific point, as validated by Ludwig. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and formal contexts, signifying a level of discourse appropriate for presenting and evaluating different perspectives. While versatile, it should be used when there's a genuine discussion involving contrasting viewpoints and an evaluation of supporting evidence is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to debate if

Replaces "whether" with "if", slightly altering the construction but maintaining the core meaning of discussing opposing viewpoints.

to discuss if

Substitutes "argue" with "discuss", softening the confrontational aspect while retaining the element of examining different sides.

to dispute if

Highlights the presence of disagreement or conflicting opinions.

to consider if

Replaces "argue" with "consider", shifting the focus to thoughtful evaluation rather than direct opposition.

to question whether

Emphasizes the act of questioning and doubt, rather than direct argumentation.

to challenge if

Suggests a strong disagreement with an existing idea or statement

to examine if

Implies a more in-depth and analytical approach, focusing on a thorough investigation of the topic.

to investigate if

Suggests a formal inquiry or research process to determine the truth.

to determine if

Focuses on reaching a conclusion or decision about something.

to ascertain whether

Emphasizes the process of finding something out for certain.

FAQs

How can I use "to argue whether" in a sentence?

You can use "to argue whether" to introduce a discussion or debate about a particular topic. For example: "Scientists continue "to argue whether" climate change is primarily caused by human activity."

What are some alternatives to "to argue whether"?

Alternatives include "to debate if", "to discuss if", or "to consider if", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative subtly shifts the focus from direct opposition to evaluation or deliberation.

Is it always appropriate to use "to argue whether"?

No, "to argue whether" implies a disagreement or debate. If there is no inherent conflict or opposing viewpoint, a more neutral phrase like "to determine if" or "to investigate if" may be more suitable.

Which is correct, "to argue whether" or "to argue if"?

Both "to argue whether" and "to argue if" are grammatically acceptable, though "to argue whether" is often preferred in formal writing. "Whether" explicitly presents two or more alternatives, while "if" can sometimes imply a conditional statement.