have an argument

Meaning

This phrase means to experience an angry disagreement or verbal fight with someone. It can range from a minor domestic dispute to a major debate.

Examples

• My neighbors had a loud argument last night about parking.

  My neighbors had a loud argument last night about parking.

• I hate having an argument with my best friend over silly things.

  I hate having an argument with my best friend over silly things.

• They had a heated argument about politics during dinner.

  They had a heated argument about politics during dinner.

• We had an argument, but we made up the next day.

  We had an argument, but we made up the next day.

• It's normal for couples to have an argument once in a while.

  It's normal for couples to have an argument once in a while.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I made an argument with my boss yesterday.

  ✓ I had an argument with my boss yesterday.

  You do not 'make' an argument when referring to a verbal fight. You 'have' an argument. ('Make an argument' means to present a logical point in a formal debate).

• ✗ They discussed and argued themselves.

  ✓ They had an argument.

  Using 'argue' reflexively or combining it awkwardly is common. 'Have an argument' is the most natural way to express a verbal dispute.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I don't want to ___ with you about this anymore.

  💡 Disagree angrily.

  Show answer

  have an argument

• They ___ about who should wash the dishes.

  💡 Use the past tense of the expression.

  Show answer

  had an argument