argue
argue — verb
- arguepresent simple I / you / we / they
- argues3rd person singular
- arguing-ing form
- arguedpast simple
1. When two or more people argue, they express their disagreement in an angry or up
When two or more people argue, they express their disagreement in an angry or upset way, often by raising their voices.
The two children argued loudly about whose turn it was to ride the bicycle.
argue + about for the subject of disagreement
Saira and her flatmate argued over whose turn it was to clean the bathroom.
It is never pleasant when your neighbours argue in the middle of the night.
My brother and I always argued about which television programme to watch.
The woman at the market argued with the seller about the price of the fruit.
文法句型
argue with [sb] about [sth]
argue over [sth]
用法筆記
Frequently used in the pattern 'argue with [someone] about [something]'. The subject is always a person or group of people. This sense always implies anger or strong emotion — do not use it when you mean a calm exchange of views.
常見錯誤
2. To give reasons that support your opinion, idea, or belief, especially in a calm
To give reasons that support your opinion, idea, or belief, especially in a calm and logical way.
Jude argued that the school should spend more money on library books.
argue + that-clause for supporting an opinion
In the meeting, Charlotte argued for a more flexible holiday schedule.
Several scientists have argued against the use of mobile phones in classrooms.
The lawyer argued that her client had acted in self-defence during the incident.
Adina argued convincingly that the new policy would benefit the whole community.
文法句型
argue that [clause]
argue for [noun phrase]
argue against [noun phrase]
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (QUARREL), this sense does not imply anger. The object is often a that-clause expressing the opinion being supported. The speaker is making a calm case rather than shouting.
常見錯誤
3. To discuss a particular idea, plan, or issue by presenting reasons for and again
To discuss a particular idea, plan, or issue by presenting reasons for and against it, often in a formal or structured setting.
The committee argued for weeks about whether to approve the new housing plan.
argue + whether for evaluating two sides
In the board meeting, Yumi argued that the funds should go towards solar energy.
The two lawyers argued the case in front of the judge for several hours.
Historians have argued for decades about the true causes of the First World War.
During the class debate, Jabari argued that raising taxes would hurt small businesses.
文法句型
argue that [clause]
argue whether [clause]
argue the [noun]
用法筆記
Subject can be a person, a group (committee, panel), or an academic field. Frequently used in formal contexts such as legal arguments, academic writing, or committee discussions. The tone is measured and reasoned.
常見錯誤
4. If facts, evidence, or events argue something, they are signs that point to a ce
If facts, evidence, or events argue something, they are signs that point to a certain conclusion or indicate that it is true.
The latest figures argue that the economy is growing faster than expected.
evidence argues that... for indicating a conclusion
Rania's research argues against the idea that students learn more effectively on their own.
The fact that fewer students left this year argues for the success of the new programme.
The medical report argues that regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease.
- indicate
weaker; suggests rather than strongly points to
- suggest
less certain than 'argue' in this sense
- demonstrate
stronger; shows clearly with proof
文法句型
[evidence/data/research] argues that [clause]
[fact] argues for [noun]
用法筆記
The subject must be an inanimate noun — facts, evidence, data, research, or statistics. Never use a person as the subject in this sense. This is the only sense of 'argue' where the subject is not a person.