arguably it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arguably it is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to present a statement that can be supported by reasoning or evidence, suggesting that there is a valid argument for it. Example: "Arguably it is the best solution available, considering all the factors involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But arguably it is the poor state of its economy that is the most pressing of the problems facing President Nicolas Maduro.

BBC

Arguably, it is plain wrong," he wrote.

The Guardian

Arguably, it is not even the most important.

The New York Times

But arguably it is time for a human exportstop.

The Guardian - Opinion

Arguably, it is the Tories who have unintentionally re-ignited the class war, not Mr Miliband.

Independent

Arguably, it is not just Boeing's fault that the Dreamliner wasn't ready.

The Guardian - Business

Arguably it is just as significant as the ousting of Hosni Mubarak in February last year.

The Guardian - Opinion

But arguably, it is not a gifted measure, but rather a measure of school readiness, as its name indicates.

The New York Times

Arguably, it is the host countries like Britain that need to work harder by helping more with such integration.

The Economist

Arguably, it is their strength over the past four years that now makes a Tory defeat seem so certain.

The Economist

Arguably, it is not British cities that are in crisis so much as its planning system and planners.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "arguably it is" to introduce claims that are debatable but have supporting evidence, signaling to your audience that you're presenting a considered opinion.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "arguably it is," as it can make your writing sound hesitant or repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "it could be argued that" or directly stating your opinion with supporting evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arguably it is" functions as an adverbial phrase combined with a subject-verb structure. It serves to qualify a statement, indicating that it is a plausible or defensible position, though not necessarily a definitively proven fact. Ludwig highlights this by showing examples across various contexts, emphasizing its role in framing opinions or assertions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arguably it is" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a claim that is open to debate but supported by reasoning or evidence. As Ludwig's analysis shows, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed in various contexts, especially within News & Media and scientific domains. Its purpose is to present a viewpoint in a nuanced manner, acknowledging potential counterarguments while still asserting a particular stance. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it leans towards formality and is often used in written communication. Use it judiciously to convey thoughtful opinions and invite consideration of your ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is plausible that

This alternative suggests something is believable or likely, shifting the focus to likelihood rather than argumentation.

it can be contended that

This alternative emphasizes the act of arguing or asserting a point, highlighting the debatable nature of the statement.

one might argue that

This softens the assertion by attributing the argument to an unspecified person, creating more distance from the claim.

it is a matter of opinion that

This alternative explicitly frames the statement as a subjective viewpoint, emphasizing that it's not a definitive fact.

it is conceivable that

This highlights the possibility of something being true or happening, rather than directly arguing for its validity.

it is open to debate whether

This directly acknowledges that the statement is subject to discussion and disagreement, underlining its controversial nature.

it is not unreasonable to suggest that

This presents the idea as a reasonable possibility, rather than a strong assertion, inviting consideration rather than demanding agreement.

it is a tenable position that

This suggests that the statement is defensible and can be supported with evidence, implying a more formal and structured argument.

it is a defensible claim that

Similar to "tenable position", this frames the statement as a claim that can be justified, focusing on its supportability.

it is subject to interpretation

This emphasizes that the statement's meaning can vary depending on individual perspectives, highlighting its ambiguity.

FAQs

How to use "arguably it is" in a sentence?

Use "arguably it is" to introduce a statement that you believe is true but is open to debate or different interpretations. For example, "Arguably it is the most effective solution, despite the initial cost."

What can I say instead of "arguably it is"?

You can use alternatives like "it is plausible that", "it can be contended that", or "one might argue that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "arguably, it's" instead of "arguably it is"?

Yes, "arguably, it's" is a contraction of "arguably, it is" and is grammatically correct. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference or the desired level of formality.

What is the difference between "arguably it is" and "certainly it is"?

"Arguably it is" suggests that the statement is open to debate and different opinions, while "certainly it is" implies a stronger conviction and less room for disagreement.