I argued that

USAGE SUMMARY

"I argued that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are presenting your opinion on a particular subject or situation. For example, you might write, "I argued that the proposed policy would be detrimental to our company's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I argued that Michael Young was obsessed with inequality.

The Guardian

Last year I argued that our liberalism was tough.

The Guardian

In an earlier post, I argued that concerns about inflation are overblown.

The New Yorker

I argued that it was riskier not to take this risk.

The New Yorker

Haven't I argued that an overall fall in wages would do nothing to raise employment?

The New York Times

I argued that you cannot bring people into the political process without talking to their leaders".

Independent

I argued that the Tories could have pacified the markets with less stringency.

Independent

I argued that it didn't work like that … and it didn't.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In my response, I argued that it was a bad idea to make first year count.

The Guardian

I argued that the Hispanic woman was upfront about her ancestry and so did nothing wrong.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the beginning of the coalition, I argued that it would never last its five years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I argued that", follow it with a clear and concise statement of your argument to ensure your point is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "I argued that" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "I contended that", "my argument was that", or "I maintained that" to prevent your writing from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I argued that" functions as a clause introducer, signaling that the speaker or writer is about to present a claim, opinion, or defense of a particular viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I argued that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a reasoned opinion or defense of a viewpoint. It is grammatically correct and highly common in various forms of writing, especially in news and media. While acceptable in both formal and informal settings, it is often more suitable for neutral to formal contexts, as Ludwig AI confirms. For stylistic variation, consider using alternatives such as "I contended that" or "my argument was that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My argument was that

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the argument itself.

I contended that

Replaces "argued" with "contended", suggesting a more forceful assertion.

I maintained that

Replaces "argued" with "maintained", implying a persistent holding of an opinion.

I asserted that

Replaces "argued" with "asserted", indicating a confident and firm declaration.

It was my contention that

Uses a more formal tone to introduce the argument as a contention.

I posited that

Replaces "argued" with "posited", which is more formal and suggests putting forward an idea for consideration.

I reasoned that

Replaces "argued" with "reasoned", highlighting the logical basis for the opinion.

I submitted that

Replaces "argued" with "submitted", implying a respectful presentation of a view.

From my perspective,

Shifts the focus to a personal viewpoint, implying an argument.

I believed that

Uses "believed" instead of "argued", suggesting a personal conviction.

FAQs

How can I use "I argued that" in a sentence?

Use "I argued that" to introduce a point you have previously made or will elaborate on. For example, "I argued that the budget cuts would negatively impact the department's performance."

What are some alternatives to "I argued that"?

Some alternatives include "I maintained that", "I asserted that", or "my argument was that". Choose the alternative that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Is it better to use "I argued that" or "I believe that"?

"I argued that" is suitable when you are presenting a reasoned case or defending a position, while "I believe that" is more appropriate for expressing a personal opinion or conviction. The best choice depends on whether you're emphasizing logic or personal sentiment.

Can "I argued that" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "I argued that" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the context and choose the most precise and professional-sounding alternative if necessary. For example, in some academic contexts, "I posited that" might be more fitting.