a powerful claim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful claim" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a statement or assertion that has significant impact or persuasive strength. Example: "The author makes a powerful claim about the effects of climate change on global economies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The willingness of these mothers to strike is not only a stronger challenge to the company's power than just holding a protest: it is a powerful claim to their own time.

The Guardian - Opinion

He made a powerful claim to start in that role when the competitive games resume.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet B30 has a powerful claim to fame, albeit a disturbing one.

The Guardian

He ran a disciplined and effective campaign, and has a powerful claim to remain as leader of the opposition.

The Economist

Our sister party, the South African Communist party, has a powerful claim to be the political party that forged the strongest multi-racial unity.

The Guardian - Money

While they may not have a powerful claim on art history, they do have much to tell us about the American art world of the 1970s and '80s.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

As for specifics, Mercedes says its SLR will have a carbon-fiber body that's more rigid and stronger than in any road car in history, a pretty powerful claim given that a lot of the competition (the Aston Martin Vanquish, for example) has already broken barriers in this arena.

Forbes

Anomalisa actually has a very powerful claim to be the year's best film, full stop.

The Guardian - Film

But if he can win most of the big remaining states, keeps on raising enormous amounts of money from what looks like the greatest popular fundraising base in American political history, and takes a national lead in polling over Hillary, he is going to have an even more powerful claim on the Democratic Party than his already extremely impressive showing grants him.

Huffington Post

A central and intuitively powerful claim of bureaucratic politics explanations, this premise has been criticized for its narrow view of preference formation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But there is another set of stakeholders who have both the power to slow a clean electricity transition and a powerful moral claim to be compensated for losses that have not been amortized or written down by the market.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a powerful claim" when you want to emphasize the significant impact or persuasive strength of a statement. It's particularly effective in arguments, debates, or analyses where the weight of an assertion matters.

Common error

Avoid using "a powerful claim" as a generic intensifier. Ensure the claim genuinely warrants the description by providing evidence or reasoning to support its strength. A weak claim described as "powerful" can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful claim" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces or refers to a significant assertion or argument. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to highlight the strength of a statement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a powerful claim" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the significance and impact of an assertion. It is considered grammatically correct and is commonly found in news, academic writing, and scientific discourse. Ludwig confirms its proper usage. When using this phrase, ensure the claim it describes is well-supported by evidence. Alternatives such as "a compelling argument" or "a strong assertion" can be used depending on the context. Remember to avoid overusing "powerful" without genuine substance to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a compelling argument

Focuses on the persuasive strength of the reasoning presented.

a strong assertion

Highlights the confident declaration of a statement.

a convincing case

Emphasizes the ability to persuade someone of something.

a potent declaration

Emphasizes the impact and significance of the announcement or statement.

an influential position

Highlights the power of a stance due to its impact on others.

a significant statement

Focuses on the importance and relevance of the communicated message.

a substantive argument

Emphasizes the argument having a solid and meaningful base.

a weighty contention

Highlights the seriousness and importance of the point being argued.

a telling point

Suggests that the claim reveals important information or insights.

an impactful statement

Highlights the notable effect or influence of the statement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a powerful claim" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a powerful claim", ensure that the claim itself is well-supported by evidence or reasoning. The phrase is best used when introducing a statement that has significant implications or persuasive force within the context of your argument or discussion.

What are some alternatives to "a powerful claim"?

You can use alternatives like "a compelling argument", "a strong assertion", or "a convincing case" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to provide evidence after making "a powerful claim"?

Yes, especially in formal writing or academic contexts. Since "a powerful claim" suggests a significant assertion, it's crucial to support it with credible evidence, logical reasoning, or expert opinions to maintain credibility and persuasiveness. Without support, the claim may be viewed as unsubstantiated or biased.

What distinguishes "a powerful claim" from a regular claim?

"A powerful claim" implies that the assertion carries substantial weight, influence, or potential impact. It suggests that the claim is not only significant in its own right but also capable of influencing opinions, actions, or outcomes. A regular claim may simply state a fact or opinion without necessarily implying such force.