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Meaning & use

having an argument

phrase·Everyday

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UK/ˌhævɪŋ ən ˈɑːɡjʊmənt/
US/ˌhævɪŋ ən ˈɑːrɡjəmənt/

Meaning

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    In the process of disagreeing with someone in an angry or serious way.

    Grammar: Used as a continuous verb form; often after 'be' or 'keep': 'They are having an argument.'

    Patterns

    • be having an argument
    • keep having an argument

    My parents are having an argument about money.

    I could hear them having an argument next door.

    She doesn't like having an argument in front of the children.

Common combinations

having an argument with someone
He's having an argument with his boss.
having an argument about something
They're having an argument about the wedding plans.
keep having an argument
They keep having an argument over small things.
stop having an argument
Can you two stop having an argument and listen?

Synonyms and how they differ

quarreling
Similar, but 'quarreling' often suggests a repeated or noisy disagreement; 'having an argument' is more neutral.
fighting
Stronger and can include physical violence; 'having an argument' is only verbal.

Opposites

agreeinggetting along

Word family

argument noun
A disagreement or a reason given to support an idea.
argue verb
To disagree in words; also to give reasons for something.
argumentative adjective
Often wanting to argue; fond of disagreeing.

Commonly confused: having an argument or having a discussion?

having an argument vs having a discussion

A discussion is calm and aims to share ideas; an argument is emotional and involves disagreement.

Practice

They ______ an argument about the bill when I walked in.

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