A cogent argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A cogent argument" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an argument that is clear, logical, and convincing. Example: "The lawyer presented a cogent argument that swayed the jury's opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can a cogent argument overcome his philosophical predispositions?

The New Yorker

"It's like they just don't want to have a cogent argument.

The New York Times - Books

Ross Douthat presents a cogent argument for America to abstain from direct military intervention in Libya's turmoil.

The New York Times

But he has presented a cogent argument that America and other outside powers—should be trying harder.

The Economist

Please see this open letter, signed by many professors from across the UC system, for a cogent argument against divestment.

University of California, Berkeley

Sadly it's more of a cogent argument than it is a funny hour, despite Farnan's obvious skills as a comic.

The Guardian

You can't offer even the most linguistically gifted dog a cogent argument for returning to the yard.

The New York Times - Magazine

In a recent interview, Martin Scorsese gave a cogent argument in favor of the Academy Awards: The problem is that it's not about the prize.

The New Yorker

As both a document of crisis management during an almost unimaginable disaster and a cogent argument about the dangers of nuclear power, My Nuclear Nightmare is essential reading.

Cornell University

Although Quality King concluded that the statute's text foreclosed that outcome, see 523 U. S., at 151 152, the Solicitor General offered a cogent argument to the contrary.

Harvard University

Just as conceivably, it would trigger a constitutional showdown with congressional Republicans, who could make a cogent argument that Mr. Obama had overstepped his authority.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When constructing your argument, ensure each point logically connects to the next, building a clear and understandable case. Using evidence-based reasoning will make your argument "a cogent argument".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on emotional appeals without factual backing. An argument that is emotionally charged but lacks logical support will fail to be "a cogent argument".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cogent argument" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'cogent' modifies the noun 'argument'. It serves to describe a specific type of argument, one that is well-reasoned and persuasive. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cogent argument" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes an argument that is clear, logical, and convincing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal and neutral contexts across various domains, including news, science, and academia. To enhance your writing, ensure your arguments are logically structured and supported by evidence, avoiding overreliance on emotion. Alternative phrases such as "a compelling argument" or "a persuasive argument" can be used to convey similar meanings. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively employ "a cogent argument" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A compelling argument

Replaces 'cogent' with 'compelling', emphasizing the argument's ability to persuade and capture attention.

A persuasive argument

Focuses on the argument's effectiveness in convincing someone.

A convincing argument

Highlights the argument's ability to inspire belief or acceptance.

A sound argument

Emphasizes the logical validity and factual accuracy of the argument.

A well-reasoned argument

Highlights the quality of the reasoning process behind the argument.

A logical argument

Stresses the adherence to principles of logic in the argument.

A valid argument

Indicates that the argument is structurally correct and follows established rules of inference.

A strong argument

Indicates the robustness and resilience of the argument against counterclaims.

A clear argument

Focuses on the ease with which the argument can be understood.

A well-supported argument

Emphasizes that the argument is substantiated by evidence and justification.

FAQs

How can I effectively use the phrase "a cogent argument" in a sentence?

Use "a cogent argument" when you want to describe an argument that is clear, logical, and convincing. For example, "The lawyer presented "a cogent argument" that swayed the jury's opinion".

What are some alternatives to saying "a cogent argument"?

You can use phrases like "a compelling argument", "a persuasive argument", or "a convincing argument" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a cogent argument" and "a logical argument"?

While both phrases refer to well-structured reasoning, "a cogent argument" implies not only logical validity but also persuasiveness and clarity. "A logical argument" focuses primarily on the adherence to logical principles.

What makes an argument "a cogent argument"?

An argument is considered "a cogent argument" when it is clear, logical, well-reasoned, and persuasive. It presents a coherent case that is easy to understand and accept.