argue in effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "argue in effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that someone is making a point or argument that has a particular implication or consequence, even if it is not explicitly stated. Example: "While he didn't say it outright, he seemed to argue in effect that the current policy was ineffective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But other economists argue, in effect, that absence of evidence isn't solid evidence of absence.

The New York Times

It sent justice department lawyers to court to argue, in effect, on Bashir's behalf.

The Guardian

Others, like the Labour frontbench, argue, in effect, for membership of the single market and customs union without free movement.

The Guardian - Opinion

On one side are what might be called the protectionists, who argue, in effect, that what children really like doesn't much matter.

The New Yorker

In 1952, Barr wrote a piece for the Times Magazine, "Is Modern Art Communistic?," in which he tried to argue, in effect, that "democratic" is a totalitarian standard for judging art.

The New Yorker

But at the same time, it has given Mr. Smith a convenient way to argue, in effect, that if voters support moderate or even Republican positions they should vote for a Republican, not a Democrat reaching for the political center.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Mr. Hanssen, they argued in effect, was worth more alive than dead.

The New York Times

Mr. Schröder has argued, in effect, that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.

The New York Times

JUSTICE STEVENS -- Well, you're arguing, in effect, that it's a mandatory deadline.

The New York Times

For months the realists have been arguing, in effect: No, he can't.

The New York Times

DeLay denied the charges, arguing in effect that this was business as usual.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "argue in effect" when you want to highlight the implied or indirect nature of an argument, rather than a directly stated claim. This is especially useful when analyzing someone's words or actions for their underlying message.

Common error

Avoid using "argue in effect" when the argument is explicit or direct. The phrase works best when the argument is subtle and requires interpretation; otherwise, a more direct verb like "state" or "claim" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argue in effect" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of presenting an argument indirectly or by implication. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing how someone conveys a point without explicitly stating it. It's about understanding the underlying argument.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "argue in effect" is a valuable tool for expressing the idea of someone making an argument indirectly or by implication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and well-suited for neutral and analytical contexts. Its utility lies in revealing underlying messages, particularly in news, academic, and scientific discussions. While it might not be as common as simpler alternatives like "imply", "argue in effect" provides a nuanced way to express the act of suggesting an argument without explicitly stating it, adding depth to your analysis and interpretation. Alternatives include "imply as much", and "suggest indirectly".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imply as much

Replaces "argue" with "imply", focusing on the indirect suggestion of the argument.

suggest indirectly

Highlights the indirect nature of the suggestion, shifting away from direct argumentation.

subtextually argue

Emphasizes the underlying and less obvious nature of the argument.

make a veiled argument

Focuses on the concealed or disguised nature of the argument being presented.

intimate indirectly

Similar to 'suggest indirectly', but implies a more subtle and delicate hint.

hint at the implication

Shifts the focus to hinting at the implied meaning rather than directly arguing.

present the subtext

Highlights the presentation of an underlying message or implied argument.

advance the implication

Focuses on pushing forward the implied meaning rather than the direct argument.

insinuate indirectly

Stresses the subtle and often negative connotation of the argument being made.

put forward the implication

Emphasizes the act of introducing the implied meaning into the discussion.

FAQs

How to use "argue in effect" in a sentence?

You can use "argue in effect" to describe someone making a point with a specific implication. For example, "By consistently avoiding the question, he seemed to "argue in effect" that he was involved."

What can I say instead of "argue in effect"?

You can use alternatives like "imply as much", "suggest indirectly", or "make a veiled argument" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "argue in effect" or "argue effectively"?

"Argue in effect" means to imply or suggest something as an argument, while "argue effectively" means to present an argument successfully. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "argue in effect" and "imply"?

"Argue in effect" suggests a broader, underlying argument being made indirectly. "Imply" is more general and can refer to any indirect suggestion, not necessarily an argument. The phrase "argue in effect" specifically refers to a communicated argument.