For the sake of argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "For the sake of argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when presenting a hypothetical situation or point of view for the purpose of discussion or debate. Example: "For the sake of argument, let's assume that the new policy will lead to increased productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the sake of argument, I will concede the point.

The New York Times

For the sake of argument, let's say that Obama does eke out his victory.

The New York Times

For the sake of argument, let's assume that the Romney plan is revenue-neutral.

The New York Times

For the sake of argument, let's assume that Greenberg ended up with three hundred million dollars.

The New Yorker

For the sake of argument, let's say that you think the NAIRU is five per cent.

The New Yorker

For the sake of argument, let's take that $300m as our starting point.

The Guardian - Film

(For the sake of argument, let's assume that you've actually read a couple of them).

The New York Times

For the sake of argument, let's assume that Obama ends up holding onto Ohio.

The New Yorker

For the sake of argument, let's assume Romney carries Florida and Virginia.

The New Yorker

For the sake of argument let's say £20,000 a year.

Science Magazine

For the sake of argument, let's say it averages to about a 50percentt discount.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "For the sake of argument" to introduce a viewpoint that you might not personally agree with, but which is useful to consider for the purpose of a balanced discussion. This demonstrates intellectual flexibility and encourages open-mindedness.

Common error

Avoid using "For the sake of argument" repeatedly in a heated debate as it can come across as condescending or insincere. Vary your phrasing to maintain a constructive and respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "For the sake of argument" functions as an introductory adverbial phrase. It sets the stage for a hypothetical scenario or a concession made to advance a discussion. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "For the sake of argument" is a versatile phrase used to introduce hypothetical scenarios or concessions in a discussion. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. The phrase serves to facilitate exploration of different viewpoints, contributing to more balanced discussions. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Remember to vary your phrasing to avoid overuse. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is well-established and readily usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Let's assume for the moment

Slightly less formal and emphasizes a temporary assumption.

Suppose for the purpose of discussion

More formal and highlights the intent to facilitate a discussion.

Assuming hypothetically

Emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the assumption.

If we consider

Introduces a specific scenario for consideration.

Let's posit

More formal and suggests a statement being put forward as a basis for reasoning.

For hypothetical consideration

Highlights the hypothetical nature of the following statement

Presuming solely for discussion

Emphasizes the presumption is only for discussion purposes.

Let's just say

Less formal, presenting a hypothetical situation with a more casual tone.

Granting this point

Indicates agreement on a point, even if only temporarily, to continue the discussion.

Imagine if

Invites the listener to consider a specific scenario, often used to explore possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "For the sake of argument" in a sentence?

"For the sake of argument" is used to introduce a hypothetical situation or a point that you are not necessarily advocating for, but which you want to explore. For example, "For the sake of argument, let's assume that taxes are cut; what would be the likely economic impact?"

What phrases are similar to "For the sake of argument"?

Similar phrases include "let's assume", "suppose that", or "assuming hypothetically". These phrases all introduce a hypothetical scenario or idea for discussion.

Is "For the sake of argument" formal or informal?

"For the sake of argument" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "let's say" may be better suited for casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "For the sake of argument"?

It is appropriate to use "For the sake of argument" when you want to explore a different perspective or idea without necessarily agreeing with it. This can be helpful in debates, discussions, or when analyzing a situation from multiple angles.