It is arguable

USAGE SUMMARY

"It is arguable" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
It is most often used to introduce an argument or opinion. Example: It is arguable that pollution caused by human activity is the biggest threat to the environment.

✓ Grammatically correct

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

News & Media

Encyclopedia Britannica

SEP

Johns Hopkins University

Plosone

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Biochemistry

BMC Medical Ethics

BMC Oral Health

BMC Medical Education

BMC Health Services Research

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

BMC Biotechnology

British Journal of Cancer

BMC Medical Genomics

Harvard Business Review

Yale University

Crime Science

Critical Care

Genetics in Medicine

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

BMJ Open

BioMed Research International

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

European Radiology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is arguable that modification of diet, given its potential for positive health outcomes, should be widely advocated and adopted.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

It is arguable that Sisley's Welsh paintings are his last, great flowering.

Independent

It is arguable whether Bob Marley remains as magnetic today as he once was.

Independent

It is arguable that she is now more listened to than her husband.

Independent

It is arguable that Tokyo is culturally the most varied city in the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is arguable whether the ancient Greeks or Romans understood hieroglyphics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is arguable that four-year-olds are too young for this to apply.

The Guardian - Opinion

(It is arguable, for example, that violence against women is already regulated adequately by the states).

The New York Times - Magazine

It is arguable that the demand for shared accommodation has never been greater.

The Guardian

It is arguable that nothing so endangers world peace and human rights as official victimhood.

The Guardian

It is arguable this that has historically constrained the role of marketing in the organisational structure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "It is arguable", follow it with a clear and concise statement of the point you are arguing. Providing evidence or reasoning immediately afterward strengthens your position.

Common error

Avoid presenting an arguable point as an absolute truth. Using qualifiers like "often", "sometimes", or "in many cases" can make your argument more nuanced and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It is arguable" functions as a discourse marker used to introduce an opinion, claim, or proposition that is open to debate or discussion. As Ludwig AI shows, it sets the stage for presenting a viewpoint that is not universally accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

30%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "It is arguable" serves as an introductory marker to signal that the following statement is a claim open to debate and requires further support. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, as confirmed by the numerous examples found in news, scientific, and academic sources. When using this phrase, ensure that you provide a clear statement and supporting evidence to strengthen your argument. Alternatives such as "it is debatable" or "one could argue" can be used to express similar levels of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is debatable

Replaces "arguable" with "debatable", implying a similar level of contention but with a focus on formal discussion.

It is open to debate

Emphasizes the existence of different perspectives on the topic.

It is a matter of opinion

Highlights the subjective nature of the statement.

One could argue

Offers a slightly less direct way of introducing an argument.

It can be argued

Uses passive voice, softening the assertion slightly.

It is possible to maintain

Suggests a position that can be defended, though perhaps not definitively proven.

It is conceivable that

Implies something is imaginable or possible, though not necessarily probable.

It is plausible that

Indicates a degree of believability or likelihood.

It is not unreasonable to suggest

Introduces an idea that may not be immediately obvious, but has some merit.

It is a contention that

Directly presents the point as a contested claim.

FAQs

How do you use "It is arguable" in a sentence?

The phrase "It is arguable" is used to introduce a statement that is open to debate or discussion. For example, "It is arguable that social media has more negative than positive effects".

What can I say instead of "It is arguable"?

You can use alternatives like "it is debatable", "it is open to debate", or "one could argue" depending on the context.

Is "It is arguable" the same as "It is irrefutable"?

No, "It is arguable" suggests that a statement is open to discussion and disagreement, whereas "It is irrefutable" means something is undeniable and cannot be disproven. They have opposite meanings.

When is it appropriate to use "It is arguable" in writing?

Use "It is arguable" when you want to present a point of view that is not universally accepted and requires further explanation or evidence. It's appropriate when you're starting a debate or presenting a specific side of an issue.