Argue sb out of sth – Meaning, Examples & How to Use

What Does “Argue sb out of sth” Mean?

“Argue sb out of sth” means to persuade someone not to do something or to change their mind by giving reasons or explanations.

Introduction

The phrase “argue sb out of sth” is a common English phrasal verb used when someone convinces another person not to do something. It involves using logical reasons or discussion to change someone’s decision or opinion. Understanding the “argue sb out of sth meaning” can help learners use this expression naturally in conversations, especially when giving advice or persuading others. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal situations, making it an essential part of everyday English vocabulary.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: argue somebody out of something
• Type: transitive
• Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
• Short meaning: To persuade someone not to do something

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Argue sb out of sth” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (somebody) between “argue” and “out of,” but the thing (something) usually follows the entire phrase.

Common patterns include:

• Argue + somebody + out of + something
• Argue + somebody + out of + doing + something

Example: I argued him out of quitting his job.

How to Use “Argue sb out of sth”?

Use this phrasal verb when you want to describe persuading someone not to take an action or decision. It often involves explaining reasons or consequences to change their mind.

It is usually followed by an object pronoun or noun (the person) and the action or thing they are persuaded not to do.

Examples

• She argued her brother out of buying an expensive car.
• We tried to argue him out of leaving the company.
• They argued me out of investing in that risky project.
• He argued his friend out of going on a dangerous trip.
• My parents argued me out of dropping out of school.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect: I argued out of him to quit smoking.
  Correct: I argued him out of quitting smoking.
• Incorrect: She argued out of her sister to stay home.
  Correct: She argued her sister out of staying home.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrases include:

• Talk sb out of sth: Informal synonym, also means to persuade someone not to do something.
• Convince sb not to do sth: More formal, emphasizes persuasion with reasoning.
• Argue sb into sth: Means persuading someone to do something, the opposite meaning.

Example difference: “I argued her out of quitting” means I persuaded her not to quit. “I argued her into quitting” means I persuaded her to quit.

Common Collocations

• Argue somebody out of doing something
• Argue somebody out of buying / quitting / going
• Argue somebody out of making a decision
• Argue somebody out of investing

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of argue sb out of sth:

• Argue Sth Out
• Argue Sb Into Doing Sth
• Argue Sb Into Sth
• Argue Sb Out Of Doing Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Anna: I think I will quit my job next month.

Ben: Are you sure? I tried to argue you out of it last week.

Anna: Yes, but after thinking, I want to try something new.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “argue sb out of sth”:

1. They __________ me __________ buying that old car.
2. She tried to __________ her friend __________ going to the party.
3. We couldn’t __________ him __________ quitting the team.

FAQs

• Q: Can I use “argue sb out of sth” in formal writing?
  A: Yes, it is acceptable in both formal and informal contexts.
• Q: Is “argue sb out of sth” separable?
  A: Yes, the object (sb) comes between “argue” and “out of.”
• Q: What is the opposite of “argue sb out of sth”?
  A: “Argue sb into sth,” which means persuading someone to do something.
• Q: Can “argue sb out of sth” be used with infinitives?
  A: Yes, for example, “argue him out of quitting.”
• Q: Is “talk sb out of sth” the same as “argue sb out of sth”?
  A: They are similar, but “talk sb out of sth” is more informal.