Meaning & use
argument against
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
A reason or set of reasons that oppose an idea, plan, or action.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase: an argument against something. Often followed by a noun or -ing form.
Patterns
- argument against something
- argument against doing something
- a strong argument against
- the main argument against
The main argument against building a new airport is the cost.
She presented a strong argument against changing the law.
There is a good argument against using plastic bags because they harm wildlife.
phrasefixed phrase
A statement or fact that shows something is wrong or not desirable.
Grammar: Often used in the pattern 'the argument against X is that...' to introduce a reason.
Patterns
- the argument against something is that
- an argument against something
- arguments against something
The argument against the new policy is that it will hurt small businesses.
One argument against the theory is that it cannot be tested.
There are strong arguments against his proposal.
Common combinations
- a strong argument against
- There is a strong argument against raising taxes during a recession.
- the main argument against
- The main argument against the plan is its high cost.
- an argument against doing something
- She made an argument against cutting the education budget.
- present an argument against
- He presented a clear argument against the proposal.
Synonyms and how they differ
- case against
- The case against something is a set of facts or reasons opposing it, often used in legal or formal contexts; argument against is more general.
- objection
- An objection is a specific reason for disagreeing; an argument against can be a broader set of reasons.
Opposites
Word family
- argue verb
- To give reasons for or against something.
- argumentative adjective
- Often arguing or wanting to argue.
Commonly confused: argument against or argument for?
argument against vs argument for
'Argument for' means reasons in support of something; 'argument against' means reasons opposing it.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'argument against' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 0 correctly uses 'argument against' followed by a noun phrase. Option 1 is ungrammatical because 'against' cannot be followed by 'to'. Option 2 uses 'argued against of', which is wrong. Option 3 contradicts itself by saying 'I support it' after 'argument against'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “argument against”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.