A valid argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A valid argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing reasoning, logic, or debate to indicate that an argument is sound or acceptable based on its premises and conclusions. Example: "In the context of this debate, we must ensure that each participant presents a valid argument to support their position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An inference is monotonic iff adding arbitrary new premises to a valid argument does not affect its validity.

SEP

Yes, that's a valid argument.

The New York Times

Is that a valid argument?

The New York Times

That's a valid argument.

Yale University

He made a valid argument.

The Guardian - Sport

They feel they have a valid argument.

The Guardian

But amid the cliches there is a valid argument.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yeah, I mean, that is also a valid argument.

The New Yorker

3. Which of the following could a valid argument have?

The New York Times

"This is not a valid argument," Nutan responds.

The New Yorker

So it is not a valid argument to use.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "A valid argument", ensure your premises are clearly stated and logically connected to the conclusion. A strong argument relies on both validity and soundness.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "A valid argument" is necessarily true. An argument can be valid in its structure but still have a false conclusion if its premises are false.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A valid argument" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "A valid argument" is a frequently used and grammatically sound expression that signifies a logically correct argument. Ludwig's analysis indicates it appears most often in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While "A valid argument" implies logical coherence, it doesn't guarantee a true conclusion, as the premises themselves might be false. Related phrases include "a sound argument" and "a well-reasoned argument", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure that your premises are clearly stated and logically connected to the conclusion to build a strong and persuasive case.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A sound argument

Replaces "valid" with "sound", suggesting an argument that is not only logically correct but also based on true premises.

A logical argument

Emphasizes the logical structure and coherence of the argument.

A well-reasoned argument

Highlights the quality of reasoning used to construct the argument.

A compelling argument

Suggests that the argument is persuasive and convincing.

A cogent argument

Similar to "compelling", but focuses on the clarity and persuasiveness of the argument.

A defensible argument

Indicates that the argument can be supported and justified against criticism.

A tenable argument

Suggests the argument is maintainable and can withstand scrutiny.

A legitimate argument

Implies that the argument is in accordance with established rules, principles, or standards.

A reasonable argument

Highlights that the argument is sensible and based on good judgment.

A justifiable argument

Focuses on the argument being able to be justified and defended.

FAQs

What is the difference between a valid and a sound argument?

A valid argument has a correct logical structure, meaning that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. A sound argument is both valid and has true premises, guaranteeing a true conclusion.

How can I identify "A valid argument"?

Check if the conclusion logically follows from the premises. If assuming the premises are true forces you to accept the conclusion, the argument is valid, regardless of whether the premises are actually true.

What are some synonyms for "A valid argument"?

Alternatives include "a sound argument", "a logical argument", or "a well-reasoned argument". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "A valid argument" have a false conclusion?

Yes, an argument can be valid even if its conclusion is false. This occurs when one or more of the premises are false. The validity of the argument only concerns the logical connection between premises and conclusion, not the actual truth of either.