What is argue? Pronunciation and usage in English

argue means . Learn how to pronounce and use argue through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of argue

argueverb

/ˈɑːɡjuː/
Definition & pronunciation of argue

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "argue." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ** /ˈɑːrɡuː/ (rhymes with "car glue")**

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈɑːr - This part sounds like "ahr" (like in "father"). Stress is on this syllable.
  • ɡ - A quick, short "g" sound, like in "go."
  • uː - A long "oo" sound, like in "moon" or "blue."

Here's a more detailed breakdown with sounds:

  1. Start with "ahr": Make the sound "ahr" as in the beginning of "father."
  2. Add a quick "g": Quickly add a "g" sound. Don't let it linger.
  3. Finish with "oo": Finish with a long "oo" sound, similar to "moon."

Tips and Common Mistakes:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences so you can hear it in context?

Usage and examples with the word argue in English

Let's break down how to use the word "argue" in English. It's a versatile word with a range of meanings, so understanding the context is key. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb – To Disagree and Persuade (Most Common)

  • Definition: To express a disagreement or opposition, typically in a forceful or critical way. It usually involves trying to convince someone else that your point of view is correct.
  • Examples:
    • "They argued about the best route to take." (They disagreed about the route.)
    • "I don't want to argue, but I think you're wrong." (Expressing disagreement politely)
    • "The politicians argued fiercely over the budget." (A heated debate with the goal of winning)
    • "She argued her case convincingly to the judge." (She presented her points effectively to persuade the judge.)

2. As a Verb – To Raise a Point for Discussion

  • Definition: To bring up a topic or issue for discussion, often to challenge or question something. This can be more about prompting a conversation than necessarily engaging in a heated dispute.
  • Examples:
    • "He argued that the project was over budget." (He raised a concern about the budget.)
    • “Let’s argue the practical implications of this plan.” (Let’s discuss the real-world consequences.)

3. As a Noun – A Disagreement or Debate

  • Definition: A formal discussion or argument about a particular issue, often involving opposing viewpoints.
  • Examples:
    • "There was a heated argument in the meeting." (A strong and angry disagreement.)
    • "They had a long argument about their vacation plans." (A sustained discussion that was difficult.)
    • "The newspaper reported on the political argument over healthcare.” (The debate on healthcare.)

4. Phrases with "Argue"

  • "To argue with someone": To disagree with them, often heatedly. “I argued with my brother about who got the last cookie.”
  • "To argue a point": To try to persuade someone that something is true or correct. “She argued a point about the contract’s wording.”
  • "To argue the case": To present your reasons and evidence for a particular viewpoint. “He argued the case for increased funding for education.”
  • “To have an argument”: To have a disagreement. "We had an argument last night, but we sorted it out."

Tips for Using "Argue" Effectively:

  • Choose the right intensity: "Argue" can range from a polite disagreement to a furious battle. Consider the context and the tone you want to convey.
  • Synonyms: Consider synonyms like disagree, contend, debate, dispute, quarrel to vary your language.
  • Be aware of connotations: "Argue" sometimes carries a negative connotation of aggression. If you want to emphasize a collaborative discussion, consider using words like discuss or debate.

Here's a quick table summarizing the uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb Disagree and persuade "They argued about the movie."
Verb Raise a point for discussion “He argued that the decision was wrong.”
Noun A disagreement or debate "There was an argument in the class."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "argue" in? (e.g., a specific situation, a type of writing, etc.)

Synonyms for the word argue

Idioms of the word argue

argue the toss
(British English, informal)to continue to disagree about a decision, especially when it is too late to change it or it is not very important

    Practice with vocabulary argue

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The two colleagues often ______ about the best strategy for the project.
    2. It’s hard to ______ with someone who refuses to listen to reason.
    3. She tried to ______ her case, but the evidence was too weak.
    4. They decided to ______ a compromise instead of continuing the dispute.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which word best fits the sentence: "The scientists ______ that climate change is a pressing issue."
      a) claim
      b) argue
      c) insist
      d) suggest

    2. What is the correct word for describing a heated discussion?
      a) negotiate
      b) debate
      c) argue
      d) complain

    3. In legal contexts, which word is most appropriate: "The lawyer will ______ the defendant’s innocence."
      a) argue
      b) defend
      c) prove
      d) justify

    4. Select the word that does not fit: "They ______ for hours about the budget."
      a) discussed
      b) argued
      c) agreed
      d) debated

    5. Which word is closest in meaning to "disagree" in this context?
      a) conflict
      b) argue
      c) oppose
      d) object

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: "They had a long debate about the new policy."
      Rewrite: "They ______ for hours about the new policy."

    2. Original: "She presented her opinion strongly during the meeting."
      Rewrite: "She ______ her point assertively during the meeting."

    3. Original: "He disagreed with the proposed changes."
      Rewrite: "He ______ against the proposed changes."

    Answer:

    Exercise 1:

    1. argue
    2. argue
    3. present
    4. negotiate

    Exercise 2:

    1. b) argue
    2. b) debate
    3. a) argue
    4. c) agreed
    5. a) conflict

    Exercise 3:

    1. They argued for hours about the new policy.
    2. She argued her point assertively during the meeting.
    3. He objected to the proposed changes.

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