up for argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "up for argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that is open to debate or disagreement. Example: "The effectiveness of the new policy is up for argument among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The aesthetics, though, are up for argument.

The New York Times - Sports

I assume that every reading in my class is up for argument, and indeed choose sources that argue with each other.

Princeton University

One way or another, the role and structure of the military is up for argument in countries around the world as the prospect of war recedes.

The New York Times

But even if the extent of the evolution is up for argument, there is little debate that Mr. Romney is finishing the presidential campaign as a milder candidate than when he started.

The New York Times

And with school districts going to court against the state in October to argue about school finance, the whole system — from property taxes to state financing formulas — is up for argument.

The New York Times

"If you read what the supreme court said in that case, there's really no other way for the supreme court to come out in the case that's up for argument on Tuesday".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But they are far less keen on her centre-right rivals in the presidential poll this October, who would use any upheaval to score electoral points.Last June was a dress rehearsal for the World Cup and, for the politicians, a warm-up for arguments at the presidential election.

The Economist

Ali was squaring up for an argument.

The Guardian - Travel

The case came up for oral argument in August, 2005, before the Missouri Court of Appeals.

The New Yorker

He will be precise, good-humoured and up for an argument.

The Guardian

And yet, part of the charm of the show is that Norcott looks like he's up for an argument.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "up for argument" when you want to convey that a topic is open to different viewpoints and possible disagreement. It suggests a willingness to consider alternative perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "up for argument" in contexts where you want to convey certainty or discourage debate. It can be misconstrued as an overly aggressive or confrontational invitation for debate, even when a more diplomatic approach is suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up for argument" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is open to discussion and differing viewpoints. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "up for argument" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a topic is open to debate and differing opinions. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It functions as a predicative adjective phrase and is used in a neutral register across various contexts, including news media, academic discussions, and general web content. While the phrase is commonly understood, it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t come across as overly confrontational. Alternatives such as ""open to debate"" or ""subject to discussion"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open to debate

Indicates that a topic is available and appropriate for discussion or argument; direct synonym.

debatable

A succinct way to state that a point is open to argument.

disputable

Similar to debatable, suggesting the point is not definitively settled.

subject to discussion

Highlights that a topic can be discussed and considered, slightly less contentious.

under consideration

Suggests a topic is being thought about, implying potential for argument but more passive.

contentious

Indicates a topic likely to cause argument or disagreement.

liable to be challenged

Focuses on the potential for opposition or questioning.

a matter of opinion

Suggests that the topic is subjective and open to individual viewpoints.

not set in stone

Implies that the topic is flexible and can be changed or argued.

negotiable

Suggests that terms or conditions are open to discussion and change.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "up for argument"?

When something is "up for argument", it means it is open to discussion, debate, and differing opinions. There is no single, universally accepted conclusion, and different viewpoints can be presented and considered.

How can I use "up for argument" in a sentence?

You can use "up for argument" to describe a topic or issue that is currently being debated or is open to multiple interpretations. For example, "The details of the new policy are still "open to debate"".

What are some alternatives to saying something is "up for argument"?

Alternatives to "up for argument" include "open to debate", "subject to discussion", "debatable", or "disputable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is "up for debate" instead of "up for argument"?

Yes, "up for debate" is a very similar and often interchangeable phrase with "up for argument". Both indicate that a topic is open to discussion and differing opinions.