a serious argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a debate or disagreement that is significant or has important implications. Example: "During the meeting, they presented a serious argument about the need for policy changes to address climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not a serious argument.

The Washington Post

This is quite a serious argument.

Harvard University

And there's a serious argument here.

The New York Times

It's a serious argument, but one that begs a counterfactual.

The New Yorker

Now a serious argument for the morning-after pill.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Citing it (as "Occam's razor") may make it sound like you are making a serious argument.

University of California, Berkeley

Mr Clarke smiled at that.Beneath the slap and tumble lies a serious argument.

The Economist

Kipke said he plans to offer a "serious argument" against the bill Thursday.

The Washington Post

He would turn an acceptance speech - always beautifully crafted, witty and courteous - into a serious argument.

The Guardian

Whitman may not know it, but there's a serious argument the EPA's entire plan is unlawful.

The Washington Post

This is a serious argument and there are no easy answers.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious argument", ensure the context clearly indicates the significance and potential consequences of the disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious argument" for minor disagreements or debates, as it can exaggerate the situation. Reserve it for discussions with significant implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious argument" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is used to describe a debate or disagreement that is significant or has important implications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a serious argument" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that highlights the importance and potential consequences of a disagreement or debate. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and formal business settings. While it is used to emphasize the gravity of a situation, it's also crucial to avoid overstating the seriousness in minor disagreements. Alternatives include "a significant dispute" or "a critical contention". Top sources that employ this phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a weighty debate

Replaces "argument" with "debate", emphasizing the importance and impact of the discussion.

a significant dispute

Substitutes "argument" with "dispute", highlighting a disagreement of considerable importance.

a critical contention

Uses "contention" to denote a strong disagreement, emphasizing the critical nature of the issue.

an important disagreement

Replaces "serious argument" with a more general phrase stressing the importance of the disagreement.

a substantial disagreement

Emphasizes the considerable amount of disagreement present.

a considerable debate

Replace serious argument with the idea of debate and considerable.

an earnest discussion

Highlights the sincerity and seriousness of the discussion involved.

a passionate debate

Replaces "serious" with "passionate", emphasizing the emotional intensity of the argument.

a profound disagreement

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the disagreement.

a meaningful controversy

Uses "meaningful controversy" to indicate a significant and impactful disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious argument" to describe a significant debate or disagreement, such as: "The proposal sparked "a serious argument" among the board members."

What are some alternatives to "a serious argument"?

Alternatives include "a significant dispute", "a critical contention", or "an important disagreement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a serious argument" is suitable for formal writing when referring to significant disagreements or debates. Its use conveys the importance and potential impact of the issue.

What's the difference between "a serious argument" and "a heated debate"?

"A serious argument" emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the disagreement, while "a heated debate" focuses on the intensity and emotional nature of the discussion. While the first refers to a argument that is important, and consequential, the other simply states that the argument has been heated and may be referring to a less important topic.