argue
verbTo talk with someone who does not agree with you about something.
verbTo give reasons why you think something is true.
verbTo show that something must be true or probably true.
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: R-Controlled AR
When R comes after A, it changes the sound to /ɑːr/, like in 'car' and 'star'.
When A is followed by R, the R 'bosses' the vowel and changes its sound. Instead of short A or long A, you hear /ɑːr/. R-controlled vowels are sometimes called 'Bossy R'.
Tip
Bossy R takes the car to the farm!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Hard G
G makes the /g/ sound before A, O, U, or a consonant, like in 'go' and 'game'.
The letter G makes the hard /g/ sound when followed by A, O, U, or a consonant. Examples: go, game, give, glad, grab.
Tip
G says /g/ before A, O, U — go, game, glad!
Examples
Phonics Rule: UE Vowel Team (/juː/)
After most other consonants, UE keeps a Y-glide — like 'rescue' and 'value'.
When UE follows a consonant other than L, R, S, or J, it usually says /juː/ — with a Y-glide at the start. Companion rule to vowel_team_ue.
Tip
UE after most consonants — YOO!
Examples
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