a conflicting argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conflicting argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing differing viewpoints or positions on a particular issue or topic. Example: "In the debate about climate change, there was a conflicting argument presented by the opposing side that challenged our findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When asked about it, he said his critique presented a conflicting argument, particularly with Mrs. Clinton and former President Bill Clinton raising the possibility with voters of Mr. Obama joining the ticket as a running mate.

The New York Times

Mr. Kyl finds unpersuasive Mr. Obama's warnings that defeating the treaty would undercut the warming relationship with Russia while preventing nuclear inspections, calling it a conflicting argument since it presumes Russia is a partner and untrustworthy at the same time.

The New York Times

So, a Skeptic is someone who has the ability to find, for any given argument in favour of a proposition P, a conflicting argument (i.e., one whose conclusion is a proposition which cannot be true together with P call it P*) which is equally convincing.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But there was an undercurrent of conflicting arguments to this concert.

The New York Times - Arts

Today, a judge heard the conflicting arguments in New Jersey Superior Court here, and scheduled a nonjury trial for July 21 to try to resolve the matter.

The New York Times

A notable exception is the work by Blaxter, 4 which explores her own experience as a patient looking for conflicting arguments about the ways in which medical technology, and in particular medical imaging, affect the management of illness and of doctor patient relationships.

BMJ Open

On the left we see an inference graph with two conflicting arguments.

SEP

With the finding of UCST in the PPO/P4MS blend, a critical contribution of this work was to resolve the conflicting arguments that have gone on for a long time in determination and interpretation of the thermodynamic phase behavior of PPO/P4MS.

Polymer

As Andrew Sarris and many other critics have pointed out, he prefers the two-shot, with the actors facing each other, or positioned side by side or one behind the other, an arrangement that forces us to balance conflicting arguments or emotions.

The New Yorker

Thus, an integral part of the controversy arises from conflicting arguments for the safety provided by headgear.

Sports Medicine - Open

They incorporate a formal representation of individual arguments and techniques for comparing conflicting arguments.

Artificial Intelligence

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a conflicting argument", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the argument conflicts with. Providing specific details about the opposing viewpoints enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a conflicting argument" without specifying the nature of the conflict. Without context, the phrase can be vague and leave the reader unsure of the specific points of contention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conflicting argument" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the argument presents an opposing or contradictory viewpoint. This phrase is often used to introduce or describe opposing ideas, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a conflicting argument" is a phrase used to describe opposing or contradictory viewpoints, suitable for various contexts, as verified by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, it is relatively rare. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific sources. To improve clarity, it is important to specify the nature of the conflict. Alternative phrases include "a contradictory assertion" or "an opposing viewpoint", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contradictory assertion

Replaces 'argument' with 'assertion', highlighting the statement's contradiction rather than the reasoning behind it.

an opposing viewpoint

Focuses on the difference in perspective rather than the argumentative structure.

a disagreeing opinion

Emphasizes the difference in sentiment or belief.

a clashing perspective

Highlights the incompatibility and friction between different points of view.

a contrary position

Stresses the oppositional nature of the stance taken.

a divergent analysis

Indicates a difference in the method or outcome of examination.

a rival claim

Suggests competition and opposition in asserted facts or rights.

a contrasting theory

Focuses on opposing explanations or models.

a contentious issue

Highlights the controversial and debatable nature of the subject.

a disputed point

Focuses on the aspect of disagreement and debate.

FAQs

How can I use "a conflicting argument" in a sentence?

You can use "a conflicting argument" to describe a situation where there are opposing viewpoints or ideas being presented. For example, "The politician presented "a conflicting argument" regarding the proposed economic policy".

What are some alternatives to "a conflicting argument"?

Some alternatives include "a contradictory assertion", "an opposing viewpoint", or "a disagreeing opinion", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a conflicting argument" in formal writing?

Yes, "a conflicting argument" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and professionally describes a situation where opposing viewpoints exist. The choice of vocabulary is appropriate for academic, business, and news contexts.

What's the difference between "a conflicting argument" and "a complex argument"?

"A conflicting argument" implies opposition or disagreement between different arguments, while "a complex argument" refers to an argument that is intricate and has many parts. They describe different qualities of an argument.