Argument

follow argument

His lecture just didn’t seem to make any sense. I couldn’t follow his argument at all. Could you?

support argument

I’ve spent the last week doing my research. Now I’ve got lots of facts and figures to support my argument.

put forward argument

In his speech, the Chancellor put forward a very persuasive argument for raising taxes.

accept argument

I don’t accept the argument that adults should always be obeyed just because they are adults!

heard argument

Now that we have heard all the arguments for and against the proposal, I think we should vote on it.

a compelling argument

The animal rights people have a compelling argument for banning fox hunting. I’m certainly persuaded.

a pretty feeble argument

The unemployed issue is a pretty feeble argument against asylum seekers, I’m afraid.

telling argument

The most telling argument for wearing seat belts is the number of lives they save each year.

strong argument

There are strong arguments for and against euthanasia.

find your argument

I find your argument a bit woolly. I’m not really convinced by it.

start argument

Jane’s very argumentative, so if she tries to start an argument with you, it’s best to just ignore her and walk away.

get into argument

We got into a terrible argument over who was responsible for the accident and I’m afraid we’re not on speaking terms anymore.

settle argument

I’m fed up arguing about money day after day. Let’s settle this argument once and for all. I agree, let’s put an end to it right now.

lose argument

Nobody likes to lose an argument. We all want to win. But you know the old saying – win the argument and lose a friend!

listen to argument

I think it’s important to listen to arguments before deciding what you think yourself.

friendly argument

We had a relaxed and friendly argument about whether people should be allowed to smoke at meeting or not. Nobody got upset.

heated argument

A decision was finally made after quite a bit of heated argument had taken place. A number of people were upset by the angry words which were exchanged.

massive argument

At work, I had a massive argument with my boss, but it has cleared the air. There’s no longer any bad feeling between us now.

pointless argument

I had an absolutely pointless argument with my parents over money. It was stupid and served no purpose at all.

endless argument

They have endless arguments. They’re always at each other’s throats. I’m surprised they’re still talking.

Notes   

Do you know the following idiom?

• People who always try to see both sides of an argument with the taxi driver over politics!

If your argument is not quite right, we say ‘There’s a flaw in your argument’.

To appear reasonable when discussing, you can say either of the following:

• I can see your argument.
• I can see where you’re coming from.