argue from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "argue from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of reasoning or making a case based on certain premises or evidence. Example: "In her essay, she chose to argue from the perspective of historical context to support her thesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I can argue from both their points of view.

The Guardian - Film

Both IS and Boko Haram argue from primary sources and ancient scholars.

The Economist

"I don't think you can argue from an exception," he said.

The New York Times

Oh, we may argue from time to time, but it's like family arguing.

The New York Times

The point is not to argue from authority — it is, instead, to knock down the other side's attempt to argue from authority, on the grounds that "nobody" believes that this is a good or even legitimate idea.

The New York Times

If so, the task of the human-rights worker is not to argue from philosophical principles and international covenants.

The New Yorker

You, Muslims, are not allowed to argue from your books and prophetic traditions since we deny both.

The New York Times

But it is difficult to argue from the evidence that the government is trying to suppress peaceful protest.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Yankees continued to argue from the dugout that Shuey was not stopping as he pitched from his stretch.

The New York Times - Sports

Gray is committing the logical fallacy known as argument from ignorance: we can't argue from what we don't know to what we know.

The New York Times - Books

And all the while three brothers in the night,three corners of the continent, we sigh,we shout, we argue from the left to right.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "argue from" to clearly indicate that your argument is directly derived from specific evidence, principles, or perspectives. This strengthens your reasoning and enhances clarity.

Common error

Don't "argue from" flimsy or unverified information. Ensure your premises are solid and your evidence is reliable to avoid weakening your overall argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argue from" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the method or basis of reasoning or argumentation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often used to show that a claim or viewpoint is derived from specific evidence or assumptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "argue from" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate the foundation of an argument or line of reasoning. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and commonly employed across various formal and informal contexts. Analysis of Ludwig examples indicates the phrase is prevalent in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, suggesting a strong connection to logical and evidence-based discourse. When writing, using "argue from" clearly establishes the premises upon which your claims are constructed, lending credibility to your arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason from

Focuses more on the logical process of deriving conclusions.

infer from

Emphasizes drawing conclusions based on available information.

deduce from

Highlights a logical and certain conclusion based on premises.

conclude from

Stresses the act of reaching a judgment or decision.

draw from

Implies extracting information or support from a source.

make a case from

Highlights the construction of an argument to persuade.

build upon

Suggests expanding an argument starting on some basics.

base on

Implies using a foundation or starting point for reasoning.

posit from

Suggests to start from a basic assertion.

claim based on

Focuses on the assertion being made and its foundation.

FAQs

How can I use "argue from" in a sentence?

You can use "argue from" to show the basis of your reasoning. For example, "The lawyer chose to "argue from" the evidence presented at the crime scene".

What does it mean to "argue from" a certain perspective?

To "argue from" a certain perspective means to present a case or viewpoint based on the values, principles, or experiences associated with that perspective. For example, "They decided to "argue from" a historical perspective".

Which is a better phrase, "argue from" or "reason from"?

"Argue from" and "reason from" are similar, but "argue from" implies a more assertive presentation of a case, while "reason from" emphasizes the logical process.

What's the difference between "argue from" and "infer from"?

"Argue from" means to present a case based on something, while "infer from" means to draw a conclusion based on evidence. You "argue from" premises, but you "infer from" data.