a substantial argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a point of view or reasoning that is well-founded and significant in a debate or discussion. Example: "The researcher presented a substantial argument for the need to address climate change immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"That's a substantial argument, but not necessarily a winner," Little said.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet there still is a substantial argument in favor of a holding that a union shop agreement under the NLRA bears the imprimatur of federal law.

Cornell University

Section 6 is thus the only one of these statutes for which there is a substantial argument that Congress truly intended to cover all federal statutory law.

Cornell University

[96 N.J. 554] Whether mentioned or not in these opinions, the very existence of a Dram Shop Act constitutes a substantial argument against expansion of the legislatively-mandated liability.

Harvard University

Lord Justice John Laws granted bail "subject to stringent conditions," adding that Mr. Ganic's lawyers had made a "substantial argument" to show that Serbia's extradition request was politically motivated.

The New York Times

With more than 400 customers and a reach of 3.3 billion people in 65 countries, this makes for a substantial argument when it comes to mediating between customers' needs and carriers' demands.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A more substantial argument has to be had at the level of principle.

The Guardian - Opinion

That claim, however, is not itself part of the scientific attitude; it is an epistemological declaration for which substantial argument is required (but not so far in evidence).

SEP

After substantial argument, the two sides reached an innovative compromise that achieved the cutaway look that styling wanted with a satisfactory level of manufacturability.

Harvard Business Review

The proposition that it is less cruel for a human being to be wrongly imprisoned for life is probably one that reasonable people facing the choice would disagree on.The only substantial argument against the death penalty is that it is a sanction of such awesome magnitude that it should be placed beyond the realm of the justifiable.

The Economist

That point of view is backed up by sound and substantial argument.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial argument", ensure the context clearly indicates what the argument supports or opposes. Provide enough detail for the reader to understand the argument's significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial argument" when the reasoning is weak or poorly supported. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial argument" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "argument." It indicates that the argument being presented is considerable, well-supported, and significant. Ludwig confirms the validity of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a substantial argument" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for describing a well-supported and significant point of view. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage is common across diverse contexts such as news, academia, and science. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the argument's purpose and impact. While alternatives like "a compelling case" or "a significant rationale" exist, "a substantial argument" specifically emphasizes the depth and credibility of the reasoning involved. Be mindful of overusing the phrase, and only apply it when the argument truly warrants such a description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant rationale

Replaces "argument" with "rationale" and "substantial" with "significant", focusing on the reasoning behind a decision or action.

a considerable justification

Substitutes "argument" with "justification" and "substantial" with "considerable", highlighting the act of showing something to be right or reasonable.

a compelling case

Replaces "substantial argument" with "compelling case", emphasizing the persuasiveness and convincing nature of the presented evidence.

a persuasive line of reasoning

This alternative highlights the logical progression and convincing power of the presented argument.

a weighty contention

Using "weighty contention" suggests the argument carries considerable importance and influence.

a powerful rationale

Similar to "significant rationale" but emphasizes the strength and impact of the reasoning.

a robust defense

This alternative implies a strong and resilient justification for a particular stance or action.

a solid basis

Suggests the argument provides a firm and dependable foundation for a claim or decision.

a credible explanation

Focuses on the believability and trustworthiness of the provided justification.

a telling point

This alternative emphasizes the effectiveness and impact of the argument being made.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial argument" to introduce a point that is well-supported and significant in a discussion or debate. For instance, "The lawyer presented "a substantial argument" for the defendant's innocence."

What are some alternatives to using "a substantial argument"?

Alternatives include "a compelling case", "a significant rationale", or "a persuasive line of reasoning", depending on the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "substantial argument" or "strong argument"?

"Substantial argument" emphasizes the depth and well-founded nature of the reasoning, while "strong argument" highlights its forcefulness and impact. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the quality or the effect of the argument.

What makes an argument "substantial"?

A "substantial" argument is characterized by being well-researched, logically sound, and supported by credible evidence. It goes beyond a mere opinion and presents a convincing case.