Thursday, December 27, 2012

Lesson 4: Argue--the difference in prepositions

 
 

A)   Argue: To disagree with someone, or about something using angry words and gestures.


 Be aware of the differences in prepositions

1)         Argue with someone.
            I argued with my sister for 3 hours.

2)         Argue about something
            We argued about how much money we were spending on internet access.

3)         Argue over something
            We argued over who was a better actor--Matt Damon or George Clooney.


            *Arguing about something is about the general topic, whereas argue over implies a limited number of choices.

            They argued about the problem.  They argued over the two possible solutions.

 

B) Argue:  To explain that something is true, or that should or shouldn't be done.


 

 

4)         Argue that something should be done/shouldn't be done
            He argued that we should sell the house before the market collapses.

5)         Argue for something (to be in favour of something)
            He argued for the death penalty.

6)         Argue against (to be opposed to something)
            He argued against the death penalty.

Useful collocations
 
Have an argument.
Get into an argument with someone.
Win/lose an argument.
Make a good argument for/against something.
 

QUIZ


1.         He liked children so he argued______abortion.

                        a) with             b) for               c) against

2.         He didn't believe in guns and he argued _______gun control.

                        a) with             b) for               c) against

3.         He was constantly arguing ______his sister.

                        a) with             b) for               c) against

4.         He spent hours arguing with his parents ________his wedding plans.

                        a) with             b) over             c) against

5.         They finally broke up because they spent too much time arguing ________ money.

                        a) about           b) in     c) against

6.         The lawyer argued____________ his client was innocent.

                        a) over             b) for               c) that

 
Check Quiz answers by checking the box in the top right corner.
 

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