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Prepositions with nouns

How to use prepositions with argument

Argument commonly takes prepositions such as for, against, about, and over. Some combinations in the query are only natural in specific contexts.

Quick answer

Common prepositions with argument

Use argument for to present supporting reasons, argument against for opposition, and argument about or over for a disagreement. Argument in is possible when referring to something inside a discussion or text. Argument to and argument by are uncommon as fixed combinations with the noun itself.

She made a strong argument for public transport.
They had an argument about money.
There is an interesting argument in the final chapter.
He presented an argument against the proposal.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
argument for + idea

Giving reasons in support of something

Use argument for when supporting a plan, belief, or action.

The report gives an argument for stricter safety rules.
2
argument against + idea

Giving reasons against something

Use argument against when opposing an idea or action.

She raised an argument against cutting the budget.
3
argument about/over + topic

Describing a disagreement

Use argument about or argument over for disputes between people.

Their argument over parking lasted for hours.
4
argument in + text/speech

Referring to part of a discussion or document

Use argument in when the argument appears inside a book, article, speech, or debate.

I disagreed with the argument in her essay.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
argument for
There is a good argument for remote work.
reasons supporting something
argument of
The argument of the book is difficult to follow.
the main idea or line of reasoning belonging to a text
argument in
An important argument appears in chapter two.
an argument located inside a text or discussion
argument to
Her comments were a response to his argument.
Argument to is not usually a fixed noun pattern; to normally belongs to another word such as response.
argument by
The decision was supported by argument and evidence.
By usually introduces method or agent, not a standard complement of argument.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using argument to for support

Use argument for when you mean reasons supporting something.

✕ They gave an argument to the new policy. ✓ They gave an argument for the new policy.

Confusing argument about with argument for

Argument about describes a disagreement, while argument for gives supporting reasons.

✕ She had an argument for her brother. ✓ She had an argument with her brother.

Using by as the main noun pattern

Argument by is not normally used as a standard complement after the noun.

✕ The argument by higher taxes was convincing. ✓ The argument for higher taxes was convincing.

Forgetting the context of argument in

Argument in usually refers to location within a text or discussion.

✕ They had an argument in climate change. ✓ They had an argument about climate change.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She made a strong ___ lower energy prices.
2. The two neighbours had an ___ the fence.
3. There is an interesting ___ the final section of the article.

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Frequently asked questions

Is argument for correct?

Yes. It means reasons supporting an idea, action, or belief.

Can I say argument in?

Yes, when referring to an argument inside a text, speech, or discussion.

Is argument to a normal expression?

Not usually. English more often uses argument for, against, about, or over.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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