we are arguing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are arguing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more people are engaged in a disagreement or debate. Example: "During the meeting, we are arguing about the best approach to solve the issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are arguing that.

The New York Times - Sports

"I can't believe we are arguing about cereal," he says.

The Guardian

Naturally, now we are arguing about whether this is enough.

The New York Times

While there are no guarantees, we are arguing for a philosophy of experimentation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But we are arguing for a pause before jumping into a hasty performance management redesign.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So we are arguing it would be further cruelty for them to try again".

The New York Times

"The evidence is so strong I don't know why we are arguing any more," Wuebbles said.

The Guardian

"We are arguing for a change in the public mind-set.

The New York Times

"We are arguing the point, needless to say, with them strenuously," he said, referring to U.S. officials.

The Washington Post

"We are arguing whether to set up a noncompliant exchange or just sit tight and do nothing".

The New York Times - Health

If we are arguing and someone hangs up without saying I love you, now that might be grounds for divorce.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your audience; "we are arguing" is appropriate for most situations but may need adjustment for highly formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "we are arguing" without specifying the subject of the argument. For instance, instead of saying "We are arguing," specify "We are arguing about the budget allocation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are arguing" functions as a present continuous tense construction, indicating an ongoing action or state of disagreement. It is used to express that a group is currently engaged in a debate or dispute, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

24%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are arguing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote an ongoing debate or dispute. According to Ludwig, this phrase is versatile and appears across different registers, predominantly in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral, the context dictates its precise level of formality. When employing "we are arguing", clarity is key; ensure your audience understands precisely what issue is under contention. Consider the suggestions about less error-prone use and explore alternatives such as "we are debating" or "we are contending" for subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're disputing

Highlights the act of questioning or challenging a particular point or claim.

we're debating

Focuses on the act of formal discussion or deliberation.

we're contending

Suggests a more formal and assertive form of argument or dispute.

we're maintaining

Suggests the act of upholding or defending a specific position or argument.

we're discussing

Implies a broader conversation that may not necessarily involve disagreement.

we're claiming

Indicates the declaration of something as a fact, often subject to verification.

we're asserting

Emphasizes a strong declaration or affirmation of a belief or viewpoint.

we're suggesting

Presents a proposal or idea for consideration, often less forceful than arguing.

we're advocating

Implies active support or promotion of a particular cause or idea.

we're postulating

Introduces a suggestion or assumption as the basis for reasoning or discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "we are arguing" in a sentence?

You can use "we are arguing" to express a disagreement or a debate. For example, "We are arguing about the best way to approach this problem."

What's a more formal alternative to "we are arguing"?

For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "we are contending", "we are maintaining", or "we are asserting" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to say "we are arguing"?

Not necessarily. While "we are arguing" can imply a disagreement, it can also indicate a robust discussion or the presentation of different viewpoints to reach a better understanding or solution.

What's the difference between "we are arguing" and "we are discussing"?

"We are discussing" implies a more general conversation, whereas "we are arguing" suggests a disagreement or debate. The phrase "we are discussing" can be used to frame a more collaborative tone, while "we are arguing" indicates differing opinions.