a viable argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a viable argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the validity or soundness of a particular point of view or reasoning in a debate or discussion. Example: "The researcher presented a viable argument for the effectiveness of the new treatment in her study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

David Rosenfeld, a labor and employment attorney based in California, said the teams simply do not have a "viable argument" for classifying their workers as independent contractors.

The Guardian

"There may not be a viable argument that, just because a World Service person is somewhere, they can automatically step into a BBC News role".

The Guardian

"The government does not have a viable argument to advance in the statute's defense and will not appeal the district court's decision," he wrote.

The New York Times

Under U.S. copyright law, the studios "had a viable argument that they were entitled to 100percentt of the monies, and they would take steps to collect it.

Huffington Post

The claim that selling sex can help a woman climb out of poverty, on a micro level, is a viable argument.

Huffington Post

It is most likely a viable argument that certain features of the male fetus, such as larger head circumferences 23 or wider shoulder diameters, are somehow contributing to this effect.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But it's not likely to be a politically viable argument.

Huffington Post

"I think that what it shows is that they are willing and comfortable scapegoating immigrant families and therefore Latino families". She said the idea wasn't "a viable legal argument" but rather a "desire to exclude some population from citizenship".

The Guardian

Several said they thought it was implausible, for example, for the report to assert that Mr. Clinton abused the power of his office by making a viable legal argument that executive privilege permitted the White House to shield the President and some Presidential aides from having to testify.

The New York Times

In the end, the most viable argument for telling the girl might just be the most practical: so she could have an accurate family medical history, past and continuing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hence, we cannot have a cognition of God because, as Kant argues in the Transcendental Dialectic's Ideal of Reason, there is no viable argument for God's existence.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a viable argument", ensure it is supported by evidence and logical reasoning. Clarity is key; avoid ambiguity that could weaken your position.

Common error

Avoid presenting an argument as "a viable argument" simply because it aligns with your beliefs. Ensure it genuinely holds up under scrutiny and is supported by facts and evidence, not just wishful thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a viable argument" functions as a noun phrase, where 'viable' modifies 'argument'. It is used to characterize an argument as being capable of succeeding or being effectively used in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a viable argument" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe an argument as practical, defensible, and potentially successful. It appears across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the argument is well-supported and clearly articulated. Alternatives like "a sound argument" or "a tenable argument" can offer similar connotations. Remember to avoid overstating viability without proper substantiation, and always ensure your reasoning holds up under scrutiny. In a nutshell, "a viable argument" should genuinely present a position that's likely to succeed given the circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sound argument

Replaces 'viable' with 'sound', emphasizing the logical solidity of the argument.

a tenable argument

Substitutes 'viable' with 'tenable', suggesting the argument is defensible and can be maintained against criticism.

a defensible argument

Uses 'defensible' instead of 'viable', focusing on the ability to protect the argument from attack.

a plausible argument

Replaces 'viable' with 'plausible', indicating the argument is believable and could be true.

a credible argument

Uses 'credible' instead of 'viable', emphasizing the trustworthiness and believability of the argument.

a sustainable argument

Replaces 'viable' with 'sustainable', highlighting the argument's capacity to endure and remain valid over time.

a workable argument

Substitutes 'viable' with 'workable', suggesting the argument is practical and can be applied effectively.

a realistic argument

Uses 'realistic' instead of 'viable', focusing on the argument's groundedness in reality and practicality.

a strong case

Replaces the whole expression with "strong case", focusing on the power and persuasiveness of the case being made.

a cogent argument

Replaces 'viable' with 'cogent', highlighting the clarity and convincing quality of the argument.

FAQs

How can I effectively present "a viable argument"?

To present "a viable argument" effectively, ensure it is well-supported by evidence, logically structured, and clearly articulated. Anticipate and address potential counterarguments to strengthen your position.

What's the difference between "a viable argument" and "a plausible argument"?

"A viable argument" suggests the argument is practical and workable, while "a plausible argument" implies it is believable or superficially convincing, though not necessarily thoroughly examined or proven.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a viable argument"?

Use the phrase "a viable argument" when you want to emphasize that a particular viewpoint or line of reasoning is not only possible but also practical, defensible, and likely to succeed or hold up under scrutiny.

What are some alternatives to saying "a viable argument"?

You can use alternatives like "a sound argument", "a tenable argument", or "a defensible argument" to convey a similar meaning, focusing on the strength and validity of the reasoning.