an argument about whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an argument about whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a debate or disagreement regarding a specific issue or topic. Example: "The article presents an argument about whether climate change is primarily caused by human activity or natural processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"We're having an argument about whether it's ethical to live on government disability in your twenties".

The New Yorker

(There was an argument about whether the newspaper's use of "steal" to describe "unlawfully misappropriated" funds was appropriate).

The New York Times

Béchamel vs. ricotta, meat vs. spinach — there's even an argument about whether the dish originated in Italy or England.

The New Yorker

We saw a dog and had an argument about whether it was a husky or an Alaskan mamulet".

The Guardian - Travel

At the heart of the case was an argument about whether that dealing was criminal or simply the messy reality of the legislative process.

The New York Times

Carey Lohrenz, a former Navy lieutenant, told NPR: "People are trying to make it an argument about whether or not women should be in combat.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Finally, there was an angels-dancing-on-the-head-of-a-pin argument about whether Dr Kelly worked "in" the MoD or "for" the MoD.

The Guardian

That leads to an argument about [whether] it is just economically foolish to make a significant investment when you don't know what the final costs will be if there are other alternatives.

Huffington Post

In this sense, the lie doesn't represent a routine disagreement over a particular separation-of-powers clash, or an ordinary argument about whether a given presidential act merits the criticism it's receiving.

The Washington Post

A public desperate for ideas about economic revival heard an astonishing argument about whether Social Security is a hoax, along with a fight about which states were more effective in luring low-wage jobs from other states.

The New York Times

Mr. Nadler went further, saying that even that issue was simply a debating point in a larger argument about whether nuclear power itself was a good idea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using synonyms like "debate" or "discussion" for "argument" to maintain a professional tone, especially when the context does not involve heated disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "that" in place of "whether" after "an argument about". "That" introduces a factual statement, while "whether" introduces an alternative or uncertainty. Incorrect: There was an argument about that the product was defective. Correct: There was an argument about whether the product was defective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an argument about whether" functions as a connector introducing a clause that presents a point of contention or disagreement. It sets the stage for exploring different sides of an issue. As per Ludwig, it is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an argument about whether" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce a point of contention or disagreement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct. It's most commonly found in News & Media sources but also appears in Science and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid substituting "whether" with "that". Alternative phrases like "a debate regarding whether" or "a discussion concerning whether" can provide a more formal tone. Be mindful of the specific context to choose the most appropriate wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a debate regarding whether

Replaces "argument" with "debate", suggesting a more formal or structured discussion.

a discussion concerning whether

Substitutes "argument" with "discussion", implying a less confrontational exchange.

a dispute over whether

Uses "dispute" instead of "argument", highlighting the disagreement aspect.

a controversy surrounding whether

Replaces "argument" with "controversy", emphasizing a public and often prolonged disagreement.

a disagreement on whether

Uses "disagreement" to denote a lack of consensus regarding a specific point.

the question of whether

Shifts the focus to the specific question being debated, rather than the argument itself.

the issue of whether

Highlights the point of contention as an "issue" requiring resolution.

a contention about whether

Replaces "argument" with "contention", emphasizing the existence of opposing viewpoints.

a point of debate regarding whether

Adds "point of debate" to specifically emphasize that the topic is being actively debated.

an exchange about whether

Substitutes 'argument' with 'exchange', implying a mutual exchange of opinions.

FAQs

How to use "an argument about whether" in a sentence?

Use "an argument about whether" to introduce a disagreement or debate regarding a specific question. For example: "They had "an argument about whether" the earth is flat."

What can I say instead of "an argument about whether"?

Alternatives include "a debate regarding whether", "a discussion concerning whether", or "a dispute over whether", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "that" or "whether" after "an argument about"?

Always use "whether" after "an argument about" to introduce a question or alternative. "That" is used to introduce a statement of fact, not a point of contention. The correct version is "an argument about whether".

What's the difference between "an argument about whether" and "a discussion about whether"?

"An argument about whether" implies a disagreement or possibly heated debate. "A discussion about whether" suggests a more neutral and exploratory conversation regarding a question or possibility.