a core argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a core argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main point or central claim of a discussion, essay, or debate. Example: "In her essay, she presents a core argument that climate change is primarily driven by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

He's making a core argument.

The Guardian

The attack from perhaps the nation's most revered investor undercut a core argument of Mr. Trump's presidential candidacy: that his success as a businessman qualified him to run the country despite his lack of political experience.

The New York Times

The notion that all we need is better enforcement of our current federal laws has been a core argument of the gun lobby for years in its fight against sensible restrictions on guns in our communities.

The New York Times

And then there is a risk that the Fed's action could be neutralized by a new Congress that has vowed to contract government spending, a core argument that led to the overwhelming Republican victory on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Mr. Pawlenty certainly isn't alone in having flailed trying to find a core argument, and he won't be the last well-regarded candidate in the field to suffer the consequences.

The New York Times

This is a core argument of fat acceptance: that it's possible to be healthy no matter how fat you are and that weight loss as a goal is futile, unnecessary and counterproductive — and that fatness is nobody's business but your own.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In these works he claims to be offering what is a single core argument, expressed in different ways.

SEP

The advert says it supports the core argument of a film where a man who eats burgers for 30 days piles on weight to such a health damaging extent that his doctors order him to stop eating them.

The Guardian

But the core argument for a united Europe remains the feeling, often engendered by a crisis, that together we are more than the sum of our parts – with a new twist: that Britain is no longer just in the club, but inextricably of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Within a decade, the D.L.C.'s core argument would come to be known as Clintonism.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is the core argument of a campaign that most Floridians have yet to see or hear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a core argument", ensure it is well-supported by evidence and reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "a core argument" when the point is actually a minor supporting detail. Reserve it for the truly central claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a core argument" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the central or most important point being made in a discussion, debate, or written work. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is used to denote a primary claim.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a core argument" is a grammatically sound expression used to identify the central claim in a discussion or written work. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While not exceptionally common, appearing more frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it is well-understood and effective for emphasizing the primary point. Alternatives include "a central argument" or "a key argument". Remember to use "a core argument" when you want to highlight the most significant point, ensuring it is well-supported by evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central argument

Replaces "core" with "central", emphasizing the main point.

a key argument

Substitutes "core" with "key", highlighting the importance of the argument.

a main argument

Uses "main" instead of "core", indicating the primary argument.

a fundamental argument

Replaces "core" with "fundamental", stressing the foundational nature of the argument.

the central thesis

Replaces "argument" with "thesis", implying a more formal or academic setting.

the key contention

Uses "contention" instead of "argument", adding a sense of debate or disagreement.

the main point

Simplifies the phrase to "main point", focusing on the essential idea.

the crux of the matter

Shifts the focus to "crux of the matter", highlighting the most critical aspect.

the heart of the issue

Emphasizes the most important aspect of an issue.

the primary claim

Replaces "argument" with "claim", suggesting a statement that needs support.

FAQs

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

You can use "a core argument" to identify the central claim of a text or discussion, as in "The author's "core argument" is that technology improves lives".

What is another way to say "a core argument"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a central argument", "a key argument", or "a main argument", depending on the context.

What makes a good "core argument"?

A good "core argument" should be clear, concise, and well-supported by evidence. It should be the most important point the speaker or writer is trying to make.

Is there a difference between "a core argument" and "a supporting argument"?

"A core argument" is the main point, while "supporting arguments" are reasons or evidence used to strengthen the main point. The "core argument" is the primary claim, and the supporting arguments provide backing for it.