akin to arguing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "akin to arguing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to draw a comparison between two actions or concepts, indicating that they are similar in nature. Example: "Her tone was akin to arguing, even though she was merely trying to explain her point of view."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Arguing with Nascar, he said, is akin to arguing with a mother who referees a fight between siblings.

The New York Times - Sports

The Court's argument that the election and reëlection of an African-American President are evidence that the V.R.A. is no longer needed is roughly akin to arguing that declining crime rates mean we can comfortably strike down laws forbidding robbery.

The New Yorker

This is roughly akin to arguing that it is technically possible to refer to a kidnapping victim as a "house guest," presuming the latter term refers to a temporary visitor to one's home.

The New Yorker

That's akin to arguing that we shouldn't provide food stamps because they don't end poverty.

Los Angeles Times

But that's akin to arguing the state puts sensitive criminal records at risk whenever it tries to crack down on crime.

Los Angeles Times

In essence, the debate about malaria clonality/sexuality although longstanding and controversial (see introduction) is somewhat futile and akin to arguing about whether a glass is half full or half empty, the arguments being different ways of interpreting the same observation.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Speaking to media later, he called for something akin to "multilateral nuclear disarmament" – arguing that Standard Life cannot go it alone in lowering executive pay if it wants to attract the best talent.

The Guardian - Business

The best way to argue with a Todd Akin is to dismiss him as a chauvinist, a creep and the enemy of a more enlightened future.

The New York Times

Or will voices akin to those in Oklahoma City argue persuasively that it is not possible to conduct business as usual on ground transformed by the presence of thousands of dead?

The New York Times

Talking about such an intimate spiritual experience is, she has argued, akin to a person discussing their sex life; some people like to talk about it, others don't.

Huffington Post

Failure to include them in measures of black progress, she argues, is akin to leaving states out of national counts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "akin to arguing" when you want to draw a comparison between a situation and the act of arguing, even if there is no explicit argument taking place. For example, "His persistence was akin to arguing, even when everyone agreed with him."

Common error

Avoid using "akin to arguing" when the situation is vastly different from an actual argument. It's best suited for scenarios where there is a resemblance in the style, intensity, or dynamics of the situation and an argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "akin to arguing" functions as a comparative phrase, drawing a parallel between two scenarios. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "akin to arguing" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to draw comparisons between scenarios and the act of arguing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase is versatile, suitable for neutral registers, and employed to emphasize shared characteristics. Common usage contexts are News & Media and Science. Although the expression is correct, bear in mind that it is appropriate for situations where there is similarity with the act of arguing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar to contending

Emphasizes a resemblance in the act of contending or competing verbally.

analogous to debating

Highlights the parallel between the phrase and the process of engaging in a structured debate.

comparable to disputing

Underscores the similarity in disputing or challenging a point.

tantamount to contending

Implies equivalence to engaging in a verbal contest or assertion.

akin to challenging

Refers to the similarity in challenging or questioning a statement.

resembling a dispute

Focuses on the resemblance between the phrase and a disagreement or quarrel.

parallel to contesting

Highlights a parallel to formally disputing or challenging something.

much like asserting

Describes a strong similarity in asserting or declaring something firmly.

comparable to questioning

Underscores the resemblance to the act of questioning something.

related to disagreeing

Indicates a connection to the state of not agreeing or holding a different opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "akin to arguing" in a sentence?

You can use "akin to arguing" to compare a situation, behavior, or idea to the act of arguing, highlighting a similarity in style or intensity. For example, "His insistence on having his way was akin to arguing, even though no one opposed him."

What can I say instead of "akin to arguing"?

You can use alternatives like "similar to contending", "analogous to debating", or "comparable to disputing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "similar to argue" instead of "akin to arguing"?

While "similar to argue" might sound grammatically correct, "akin to arguing" is a more established and precise way to express the comparison, as it correctly uses the gerund form after the preposition "to".

What is the difference between "akin to arguing" and "tantamount to arguing"?

"Akin to arguing" implies a similarity, whereas "tantamount to arguing" suggests near equivalence. "Tantamount to" implies that the action or situation is almost the same as arguing, in effect or consequence.