argue that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'argue that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to introduce an argument or opinion. For example, "Many people argue that family time is invaluable for our mental health and wellbeing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Statisticians could argue that point.

The New York Times - Sports

Many argue that independence made this possible.

The Economist

Few would argue that Somalia needs it.

The New York Times

It is hard to argue that point.

The New York Times - Sports

It's hard to argue that point.

Forbes

No one could argue that point.

Forbes

Please, don't argue that point.

Huffington Post

Few could argue that point.

Huffington Post

You can't argue that.

The New York Times

Many Republicans argue that….

The New Yorker

Some argue that there is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "argue that" to introduce a viewpoint, ensuring that the subsequent statement is clear and well-supported with evidence or reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "argue that" as a mere placeholder for opinion. Instead, ensure each instance is followed by a logical explanation or supporting evidence to strengthen the argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argue that" functions as a reporting verb phrase. It is used to introduce a statement, claim, or opinion that someone is putting forward. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "argue that" is a versatile and frequently used construction in English for introducing viewpoints and claims. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across a wide spectrum of sources from news media and encyclopedias to science journals, showcasing its broad applicability. While grammatically straightforward, it's essential to ensure that any statement following "argue that" is well-supported by evidence or reasoning. Remember that alternatives like "contend that", "maintain that", or "assert that" can add subtle nuances to your writing. Use "argue that" effectively to present clear and well-supported arguments in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contend that

Emphasizes a more formal or assertive claim.

maintain that

Suggests a firm and consistent stance on a particular point.

assert that

Highlights the act of confidently stating a belief or fact.

claim that

Implies a statement of something as a fact, often without providing proof.

posit that

Introduces an idea or theory, often as a basis for further discussion.

suggest that

Offers an idea or possibility for consideration, often in a less forceful manner.

hold that

Expresses a belief or opinion, usually one that is maintained over time.

believe that

Indicates a personal conviction or opinion.

reason that

Implies a logical justification or explanation for a belief.

hypothesize that

Proposes an explanation as a starting point for further investigation.

FAQs

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

Use "argue that" to introduce a claim or point of view that you intend to support with evidence or reasoning. For example, "Experts "argue that" early childhood education has a significant impact on future academic success".

What are some alternatives to "argue that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "contend that", "maintain that", or "assert that" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "argue that" or "claim that"?

Both "argue that" and "claim that" can introduce a viewpoint, but "argue that" often implies a more reasoned or supported position, while "claim that" might suggest a statement made without strong evidence.

What's the difference between "argue that" and "suggest that"?

"Argue that" typically introduces a more assertive or definitive viewpoint, whereas "suggest that" offers a more tentative or speculative idea for consideration. The choice depends on the strength of the evidence and the desired level of certainty.