What are the definitions of “argue down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Beat someone in a debate, discussion or argument.
The teacher tried to ARGUE the girl DOWN, but she couldn't.
- 2Persuade someone to drop the price of something they're selling.
She ARGUED him DOWN ten percent.
- 3Try to persuade people not to accept a proposition, motion, etc.
They tried to ARGUE DOWN the proposal.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “argue down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb argue down is to persuade someone to change their opinion or decision, often in a debate or discussion. It can also mean convincing someone to lower the price of something they are selling.
What are the different verb forms of “argue down”?
| Root Verb | argue down |
| Third Person Singular Present | argues down |
| Present Participle | arguing down |
| Simple Past | argued down |
| Past Participle | argued down |
Example
She managed to argue down her opponent in the debate.
Example
He argues down anyone who disagrees with him.
Example
They are arguing down the price of the car.
Example
She argued down the seller and got a better price.
Example
The price was argued down after a long negotiation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “argue down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“argue down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She argued down her opponent in the debate.
Example
He argued the price down by ten percent.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“argue down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She argued down her opponent in the debate.
Example
He argued the price down by ten percent.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “argue down”?
Good things to know
Does “argue down” have an informal or formal tone?
Argue down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings such as debates, negotiations, and discussions.
