advance an argument

USAGE SUMMARY

“advance an argument” is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that someone is presenting or offering an argument. For example, “John advanced an argument for why the company should move to a new location.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Concocting connections to advance an argument actually weakens it.

The New York Times

doesn't advance an argument for a big interventionist state, but for a society of common bonds.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jiang Rong, who invokes Lu Xun's ambition to transform "national character," clearly wishes to use a fictionalized account of his life with the nomads to advance an argument.

The New York Times - Books

You won't find Chomsky using Dorothy Parker ("I've been too fucking busy and vice versa") to advance an argument about phonological rules.

The Guardian - Books

Cransberg said the company had not sought further government funding because it could not advance an argument the operations were sustainable in the long term.

The Guardian

It is hard to advance an argument for the symbolic or numerical importance of the caucus in North Dakota on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

And he advanced an argument against what he called the "income defense industry".

The New York Times

In response, Google has advanced an argument based on editorial integrity.

The Guardian - Tech

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers pointed out that United are the champions, advancing an argument which undermined Moyes's own defence.

Independent

The editor, Maggie Fergusson, is not (thank goodness) advancing an argument about the way authors look at objects or about contemporary forms of ekphrasis.

The Guardian - Books

Neither film exactly advanced an argument for the pros or cons of female actors - or indeed, the enduring worth of the human species.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "advance an argument", ensure you provide clear and logical reasoning to support your point. Avoid making unsupported claims or relying solely on emotional appeals.

Common error

Avoid using "advance an argument" when you only have opinions or weak evidence. Ensure you have credible sources and a well-structured rationale before presenting your case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "advance an argument" functions as a verb phrase where "advance" acts as a transitive verb taking "argument" as its direct object. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage for indicating the act of presenting and supporting a claim.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

26%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "advance an argument" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for describing the act of presenting and supporting a claim with reasoning and evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's most frequently found in news, academic, and scientific writing and it conveys a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, focus on providing solid evidence and clear reasoning to effectively persuade your audience. Related phrases like "put forward an argument" or "present a case" can be used as alternatives to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put forward an argument

Replaces "advance" with "put forward", suggesting a more direct presentation of the argument.

present a case

Uses "present" instead of "advance", and "case" instead of "argument", implying a structured presentation of evidence.

propose a thesis

Substitutes "advance" with "propose" and "argument" with "thesis", indicating a more formal or academic presentation.

argue a point

Simplifies the phrase by using "argue" as the verb and "point" as the object, focusing on the act of arguing.

make a claim

Replaces "advance" with "make" and "argument" with "claim", emphasizing the assertion being made.

assert a position

Emphasizes the confident declaration of a stance or viewpoint.

develop a rationale

Focuses on the process of building and explaining the logical basis for a belief or action.

offer a justification

Highlights the act of providing reasons to support or defend a particular idea or action.

set forth a proposition

Replaces "advance" with "set forth" and "argument" with "proposition", giving a more formal and deliberate tone to the presentation.

promote a line of reasoning

Focuses on advocating for a specific logical pathway or thought process.

FAQs

How can I effectively "advance an argument" in writing?

To effectively "advance an argument", start with a clear thesis statement, provide supporting evidence from credible sources, address counterarguments, and conclude with a summary of your main points.

What are some alternatives to "advance an argument"?

You can use alternatives like "put forward an argument", "present a case", or "make a claim" depending on the context.

Is it better to "advance an argument" or "present an argument"?

"Advance an argument" and "present an argument" are largely interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific tone and emphasis you want to convey. "Advance" suggests forward motion and progress, while "present" is more neutral.

What does it mean to "advance an argument"?

To "advance an argument" means to put forth a reasoned case, providing evidence and logic to support a particular viewpoint or position.