about, around or roughly. area A number of different countries and areas face the same problem.
A number of different countries and regions face the same problem. To refer to one of the very large parts of a country, or to an area which includes more than one country, use region: ‘This region of France is famous for its wine.’ ‘We apologize to viewers in the southern region for the poor picture quality.’ ‘This variety of rice is grown mainly in cool temperate regions.’ argue In the first class after lunch we usually argue.
In the first class after lunch we usually have a discussion. When people argue (or quarrel), they disagree strongly about something and are often angry or upset: ‘Parents should try not to argue in front of their children.’ ‘We were always arguing about silly things, like whose turn it was to do the shopping.’ When people consider a subject from several points of view, they have a discussion or have a debate (= a formal discussion in which two or more groups take it in turns to present their opinions). argument There are several good arguments for people preferring to live in the countryside.
There are several good reasons for people preferring to live in the countryside. They don’t want children, for purely personal arguments.
They don’t want children, for purely personal reasons. argument = a reason that you give to support your opinion, especially when you are trying to persuade someone: ‘The writer’s main argument is that a better train service will take cars off the road and lead to a healthier environment.’ ‘The argument against higher taxation is very simple.’ reason = something that explains someone’s actions or feelings, or why a particular situation exists: ‘My main reason for doing the course is to improve my qualifications.’ ‘He’s got to go back to Mexico, for family reasons.’
