Is it "argument" or "arguement"?

It's "argument" without an E, not "arguement" with an E. The correct English spelling is always "argument" (A-R-G-U-M-E-N-T). Even though the verb is "argue" (with E), the noun drops the E before adding "-ment." Remember: "U can argue with ME but there's no UE in argUMEnt" - the UE disappears.

Why is argument spelled without an E?

Argument is spelled without an E because English spelling rules require dropping the silent E from "argue" before adding the suffix "-ment." This follows a standard English spelling rule: when adding a suffix that starts with a consonant (like -ment, -ful, -ly) to a word ending in silent "e," you usually drop the "e." So "argue" (with an "e") becomes "argument" (without an "e"). The spelling trick "U can argue with ME but there's no UE in argUMEnt" helps you remember that the "ue" from "argue" disappears when you form "argument."

What are common misspellings of argument?

The most common misspelling is "arguement" with an extra E, maintaining the "-gue" pattern from "argue." People naturally want to preserve the spelling of "argue" when forming related words, so "arguement" feels logical. However, English spelling rules require dropping the silent E before adding "-ment." The confusion is compounded because some words DO keep the E before certain suffixes (like "arguable" and "arguing").

How does argue become argument?

The transformation follows three steps: start with argue (ends in silent e), add the suffix -ment, and drop the silent e, giving you argu + ment = argument. This is a standard English spelling pattern: Start with the base verb: "argue" (ends in silent "e") Add a suffix starting with a consonant: "-ment" Drop the silent "e" before adding the suffix: argu + ment = "argument" This is the same rule that gives us: judge → judgment (not "judgement" in American English) acknowledge → acknowledgment wise → wisdom true → truly The rule helps prevent awkward letter combinations and keeps spelling more streamlined.

Are there other words that drop e when adding suffixes?

Yes, many English words follow the "drop silent e before consonant suffixes" rule, including argue → argument, judge → judgment, true → truly, and wise → wisdom. Here are common examples: -ment suffix: argue → argument, judge → judgment, acknowledge → acknowledgment -ly suffix: true → truly, due → duly, whole → wholly -ful suffix: awe → awful, care → careful (but note: the "e" stays in "hateful") -dom suffix: wise → wisdom, free → freedom -th suffix: wide → width, true → truth However, the "e" usually stays before vowel suffixes (like -ing, -able, -ous): argue → arguing, arguable; continue → continuous. Learning these patterns helps you spell related word forms correctly.

What's the trick to remember argument spelling?

Use the spelling trick "U can argue with ME but there's no UE in argUMEnt." This phrase highlights that "ue" appears in "argue" but disappears in "argument." Other memory tricks include: "Drop the E, keep the argument": A reminder of the rule Think "argu + ment": Visualize the word as two parts without the E Compare to "judgment": Another common word that drops the E before "-ment" Visual trick: Picture the E being removed like deleting a letter The spelling trick works especially well because it playfully suggests that even though you can "argue," the word "argument" doesn't preserve the "ue" spelling.

Is arguement ever correct?

No, arguement is never correct in standard English, and dictionaries and style guides consistently require argument (without the e). While it's a very common misspelling, dictionaries and style guides consistently require "argument" (without the "e"). Some people may use "arguement" in informal writing or casual contexts, but it's considered a spelling error in all formal, academic, and professional writing. Spellcheckers will flag "arguement" as incorrect. The only correct spelling is "argument" with no "e" between the "u" and the "m."

Argument or Arguement?
Which Spelling is Correct?

It's tempting to spell "argument" as "arguement" because it comes from "argue." Learn the correct spelling with a clever mnemonic that shows you exactly why the "e" disappears.

argument

Common Misspellings:

arguement

The Perfect Mnemonic

This playful phrase shows you exactly why "argument" loses the "ue" from "argue":

Mnemonic for spelling argument: U can argue with ME but there's no UE in argUMEnt

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How the Spelling Trick Works

The phrase "U can argue with ME but there's no UE in argUMEnt" is brilliantly designed because:

It acknowledges the source: "U can argue" references the word "argue" with its "ue" ending
It states the key fact: "there's no UE in argument" tells you directly that the "ue" disappears
It highlights the correct pattern: "argUMEnt" shows you "UM" not "UEM"
It's playful and memorable: The phrase has a conversational, argumentative tone that fits the word perfectly

Whenever you're tempted to write "arguement," remember this phrase. It will remind you that even though you start with "argue," the "e" must disappear when you add "-ment" to form "argument."

Why This Spelling Trick Works So Well

This spelling trick tackles a common source of spelling confusion: suffix rules that change the base word.

Addresses the Root Cause

Most people spell "arguement" because they're trying to preserve "argue." This spelling trick acknowledges that instinct ("U can argue") while correcting it ("no UE in argument").

Uses Contrast

By showing both forms in the same phrase ("argue" vs. "argument"), the spelling trick highlights the spelling change clearly. This contrast makes the rule more memorable.

Playful Tone

The conversational, slightly cheeky tone ("U can argue with ME but...") makes the spelling trick fun to remember. Humor and personality help memory retention.

Direct Instruction

The phrase doesn't just hint. It explicitly states "there's no UE in argument." This clear, direct guidance leaves no room for confusion.

Practice Makes Perfect

Want to master "argument" and hundreds of other commonly misspelled words? Try our interactive spelling practice app with adaptive learning and instant feedback.

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Word Origin

The word 'argument' came into English from French, which borrowed it from Latin 'argumentum.' When English speakers created the verb 'argue' (from the same Latin root), they added a silent 'e' at the end following English spelling patterns. However, the original noun form 'argument' never had that 'e,' which is why we drop it when forming the noun from the verb. This creates the modern spelling rule: argue → argument (drop the 'e' before '-ment').

Etymology Path:

Latin argumentum → Old French argument → Modern English argument

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about spelling "argument" correctly

Argument or Arguement?Which Spelling is Correct?

The Perfect Mnemonic

How the Spelling Trick Works

Why This Spelling Trick Works So Well

Addresses the Root Cause

Uses Contrast

Playful Tone

Direct Instruction

Practice Makes Perfect

Word Origin

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it "argument" or "arguement"?

Why is argument spelled without an E?

What are common misspellings of argument?

How does argue become argument?

Are there other words that drop e when adding suffixes?

What's the trick to remember argument spelling?

Is arguement ever correct?

Argument or Arguement?
Which Spelling is Correct?