You're probably here because you're staring at a blinking cursor. Or maybe you're helping a kid with homework. You need to use argue in a sentence, but you want it to sound natural, not like a dictionary entry from 1954. Words are weird. We use "argue" to describe a screaming match over the dishes, but we also use it to describe a lawyer’s brilliant closing statement. It’s a flexible verb, but that flexibility makes it easy to mess up the tone.
People often think arguing is inherently negative. It's not. In formal logic and linguistics, to argue is simply to provide reasons for a belief.
The Mechanics of How to Use Argue in a Sentence
Most of the time, we use "argue" followed by "that," "with," or "about."
Let's look at a basic example: "I won't argue with you about the price of eggs." Short. Punchy. It works. But if you're writing a paper or a formal report, you'd likely shift the structure. You might write, "Economists argue that inflation is the primary driver of rising grocery costs." See the difference? In the first one, it’s a personal disagreement. In the second, it’s a professional assertion.
The word actually comes from the Latin arguere, which meant to make clear or to prove. Honestly, that’s a much better way to think about it. You aren't just fighting; you're trying to make a point visible to someone else.
If you want to use argue in a sentence to show a physical or emotional conflict, you need a different vibe. "The couple began to argue loudly in the middle of the quiet library." That sentence creates a scene. You can feel the awkwardness.
Why Context Changes Everything
Context is the boss here. If you use "argue" in a legal sense, it carries a heavy weight. "The defense attorney will argue that the evidence was obtained illegally." Here, "argue" doesn't mean the lawyer is shouting. It means they are presenting a structured, logical sequence of facts.
Then you have the "internal" argument. Ever had a debate with yourself? "She continued to argue with her own conscience long after the decision was made." This is a metaphorical use. It’s internal, quiet, and honestly, way more dramatic than a loud shouting match.
Common Mistakes When Using Argue
You’ve likely seen people try to force the word into places it doesn't fit. A common blunder is confusing "argue" with "quarrel" or "discuss."
- "We argued the plan for three hours." (This sounds slightly off.)
- "We argued about the plan for three hours." (Much better.)
Actually, you can "argue a case" in court, which is a rare instance where you don't need a preposition. But for everyday life? Stick to "about" or "with."
Sometimes people use "argue" when they really mean "suggest." If you say, "I argue that we should go to tacos for dinner," you sound like a robot. Just say you want tacos. Reserve "argue" for when there's actually something at stake or a point to be proven.
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Using Argue to Build Better Writing
If you're a student or a writer, "argue" is a power verb. It’s much stronger than "says" or "thinks."
Consider this: "The author argues that technology is eroding our ability to focus." It's assertive. It tells the reader that there is evidence coming. It sets an expectation. If you just said "The author thinks," it sounds weak. Like they’re just sitting on a porch pondering. "Argues" implies a fight is brewing, or at least a very spirited presentation of facts.
Real-World Examples of Argue in a Sentence
Let’s burn through some variations so you can see how the word shifts based on who is speaking.
- "Don't argue with me," the mother said, pointing a finger at her teenager. (Commanding, interpersonal)
- "Scientists argue that the climate data is irrefutable." (Academic, evidence-based)
- "It is hard to argue with results like these." (Idiomatic, meaning the success is obvious)
- "They argue over the smallest things, like who left the cap off the toothpaste." (Petty, domestic)
You see how the length of the sentence changes the "punch"? Short sentences with "argue" tend to feel more aggressive. Longer ones feel more intellectual.
The Nuance of "Arguably"
While we're talking about the root word, "arguably" is a great modifier to have in your back pocket. It’s a way to make a bold claim while still leaving yourself an escape hatch. "This is arguably the best pizza in the city." You're saying it's true, but you acknowledge that some crazy person might disagree with you.
Moving Beyond the Basics
If you really want to master using argue in a sentence, you have to understand the "Argument from Authority" or the "Argument from Silence." These are rhetorical terms. In a sentence: "His entire defense was an argument from silence, relying on the fact that no witnesses could place him at the scene." This is high-level stuff. It shows you aren't just using the word to mean "fighting." You're using it to describe a logical strategy.
Honestly, the best way to get comfortable is to read more opinion pieces. Look at how columnists in the New York Times or The Atlantic frame their points. They rarely just "state" things. They argue them. They build a house of logic and invite you to walk through it.
Actionable Insights for Your Writing
If you're trying to improve your use of this specific verb, keep these three things in mind. First, check your preposition. Use "with" for people and "about" for topics. Second, look at your tone. If it’s a formal paper, use "argue that." Third, don't overdo it. If everyone in your essay is "arguing," it starts to sound like a bar brawl. Mix it up with "asserts," "contends," or "maintains."
To wrap this up, using the word correctly is about knowing whether you are describing a conflict or a claim.
- To describe a claim: Use "argue that [clause]."
- To describe a conflict: Use "argue with [person]" or "argue about [thing]."
Start by replacing one weak verb in your current project—something like "says"—with "argues." You'll notice the sentence immediately feels more authoritative. If you're writing a cover letter, you might say, "I would argue that my experience with Python makes me a uniquely qualified candidate." It shows confidence. It shows you're ready to back up your claims with evidence.
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Next Steps for Better Sentence Construction:
Review your latest piece of writing and highlight every time you used "said" or "stated." Replace at least two of those instances with "argued" or "contended" where a point is being proven. This simple swap increases the perceived "weight" of your arguments and makes your prose feel more intentional. If you are writing for a school assignment, ensure your "argue that" sentences are followed immediately by a piece of supporting evidence to fulfill the logical promise of the word.