"Argue" Can it only be used to refer to "discuss" or "fight"? Can it not be used to refer to "explain".
What I mean is, in Spanish "argumentar" means to give or to defend your opinion against the other's opinion without being rude or impolite. Actually, it means to explain in a very polite way.

But I've seen that in English they usually use it to mean that they're "fighting".

If I say, "If you can argue your reason to go out, I will let you go" or "If you can give me a very good argument, I will let you go", would it sound weird?

Question

"Argue" Can it only be used to refer to "discuss" or "fight"? Can it not be used to refer to "explain".
What I mean is, in Spanish "argumentar" means to give or to defend your opinion against the other's opinion without being rude or impolite. Actually, it means to explain in a very polite way.

But I've seen that in English they usually use it to mean that they're "fighting".

If I say, "If you can argue your reason to go out, I will let you go" or "If you can give me a very good argument, I will let you go", would it sound weird?

sgolde27 · Answer

You can use the word argue or arguments like that, but it sounds a little stiff and formal, so I wouldn't expect it to be used in a familial setting

autre · Answer

Yeah, if you said those last sentences, you would be understood, but you would sound like a lawyer ;-)

You can use the word argue or arguments like that, but it sounds a little stiff and formal, so I wouldn't expect it to be used in a familial setting

Yeah, if you said those last sentences, you would be understood, but you would sound like a lawyer ;-)

That's what I expected, thanks for solve my doubt!