An argument is a quarrel, a disagreement with raised voices: have an argument with someone means to quarrel with them. Its second meaning is a reason for or against something: an argument for/against. In conversation, argument usually means a quarrel; in essays and debates, it means a reason.
argument: will you get the meaning right?
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have an argument with + person + about/over + something; an argument for/against + noun/-ing; give/make/put forward + an argument; That's a good point (agreeing in conversation)
- I had an argument with my landlord about the broken heating last winter.
- The main argument for working from home is that people save hours on travel.
- Our neighbours had a loud argument, and we could hear every word through the wall.
What changed
First versionIn my essay, I brought three arguments against school uniforms.
RevisionIn my essay, I gave three arguments against school uniforms.
Bring may seem a natural verb for presenting arguments, but it doesn't go with argument. Use give or make instead, or put forward in formal writing: I gave three arguments, she put forward a strong argument.
When you agree with what someone has said in conversation, you usually say That's a good point or Fair point, not good argument. Argument sounds more serious: it's a thought-out position with reasons, as in an article or an essay: The main argument of the article is that cities need fewer cars.
Your turn
My parents had a terrible ___ last night, and this morning they still aren't speaking to each other.
Show the answer
argument — The parents still aren't speaking, so last night they had a quarrel. An everyday quarrel is an argument. A dispute is a formal disagreement, for example between a company and a trade union or between neighbours over a property boundary, and it isn't used for a family quarrel.
Think of a quarrel or disagreement you had recently. Write who you argued with and what it was about.
Last month I had an argument with my brother about who should look after our parents' dog.
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