a valid argument for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a valid argument for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the reasoning or justification behind a particular position or claim. Example: "There is a valid argument for implementing renewable energy sources to combat climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But this is not a valid argument for staying.

The Economist

Protecting the system against hackers with malicious intent is not a valid argument for secrecy.

The New York Times

It cannot be said, therefore, that the prosecution had put together a valid argument for a conviction.

The New Yorker

The panel accepted that he had been "co-operative and straight throughout the investigation and inquiry", but "wished to make it clear that ignorance... is not a valid argument" for a breach of the rules.

The Guardian - Sport

A federal magistrate judge in Chicago has ruled that protecting state secrets is not a valid argument for the government to refuse to tell American citizens whether they are on the terrorism watch list, the Terrorist Screening Database.

The New York Times

While there may well be a valid argument for cutting prison law spending, it should be remembered that following the 1990 Strangeways prison riots, Lord Woolf concluded in his report that there was a lack of justice in prisons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Wasserstrom cautioned the real estate tycoon against adopting a "slash and burn" approach towards relations with the world's number two economy, even if a valid argument could be made for deepening relations with Taiwan.

The Guardian

While it has been suggested that the lower prevalence of NG in women overall makes it more costly to screen for both CT and NG in women compared to MSM [ 15], this is in practice not likely a valid argument as most NAATs for CT are duplex assays also measuring NG with the same costs.

BMC Infectious Diseases

It seems to have become an article of faith among many of those who wish to remain in the EU that there is not a single valid argument for wanting to leave.

The Guardian - Opinion

Connecting moral and epistemological arguments in this way, Bayle was the first thinker to try to develop a universally valid argument for toleration, one that implied universal toleration of persons of different faiths as well as of those seen as lacking any faith.

SEP

In this sense, a valid argument provides one with options for belief rather than a proof of its conclusion.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a valid argument for", ensure that the argument is supported by evidence and logical reasoning to strengthen its credibility. For instance, instead of saying "There's a valid argument for the policy", provide supporting data: "There's a valid argument for the policy, evidenced by the 20% reduction in crime rates after its implementation."

Common error

Avoid using "a valid argument for" when the reasoning is weak or lacks sufficient evidence. Overstating the validity can undermine your credibility. Instead, qualify your statement with phrases like "a potential argument for" or "a possible justification for" to accurately represent the strength of the reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a valid argument for" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It introduces a reason or justification that supports a particular claim, action, or decision. Ludwig AI indicates that it is both correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a valid argument for" is a commonly used phrase that serves to introduce a reasoned justification or support for a claim. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It is frequently found in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries, signifying its relevance across diverse contexts. Alternatives include "a sound rationale for" or "a compelling reason for", which can be used to add nuance to the expression. When employing this phrase, ensure that the argument is backed by solid evidence to maintain credibility and avoid overstating its validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sound rationale for

Replaces "argument" with "rationale", suggesting a more reasoned and logical basis.

a compelling reason for

Substitutes "valid argument" with "compelling reason", implying a persuasive and convincing justification.

a strong case for

Uses "strong case" instead of "valid argument", highlighting the strength and persuasiveness of the reasoning.

a legitimate justification for

Replaces "valid argument" with "legitimate justification", emphasizing the lawfulness and fairness of the reasoning.

a well-founded basis for

Substitutes "valid argument" with "well-founded basis", indicating a solid and reliable foundation for the reasoning.

a defensible position on

Focuses on the defensibility of a viewpoint, rather than a specific argument.

an acceptable explanation for

Shifts the focus to providing an explanation, differing slightly from presenting an argument.

a convincing account of

Emphasizes the persuasiveness of the explanation, somewhat different from a direct argument.

a reasonable ground for

Indicates a sensible and rational basis, slightly more general than a structured argument.

a justifiable cause for

Highlights the moral or ethical permissibility, which may extend beyond purely logical arguments.

FAQs

How can I use "a valid argument for" in a sentence?

Use "a valid argument for" to introduce a reason or justification that supports a claim or action. For example, "There is "a valid argument for" investing in renewable energy due to its environmental benefits".

What are some alternatives to saying "a valid argument for"?

You can use alternatives like "a sound rationale for", "a compelling reason for", or "a strong case for" depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to provide evidence when stating "a valid argument for"?

While not always explicitly stated, providing evidence or logical reasoning significantly strengthens the credibility of the argument. Otherwise, it might be perceived as an unsupported assertion.

What is the difference between "a valid argument for" and "a good reason for"?

While both suggest justification, ""a valid argument for"" implies a more structured and logical reasoning process, whereas "a good reason for" can be a simpler, more intuitive justification.