argue the case

USAGE SUMMARY

"argue the case" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to present and support one's argument or perspective in a persuasive manner. Example: "The lawyer was hired to argue the case for the defendant in court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Why not argue the case?

The New York Times

Mr. Hogan picked Mr. Kuh to argue the case.

The New York Times

That leaves Visa USA to argue the case alone.

The New York Times

He is perfectly entitled to argue the case.

The Guardian

The pragmatists argue the case on different grounds.

The Guardian

"Let others argue the case for the old guard.

The New York Times

But is any political leader willing to argue the case for more migrants?

Independent

On February 17 , 2009 Hummel appeared before Judge Peter Espinoza to argue the case.

The New Yorker

Shelley Sadin, a Bridgeport lawyer, is expected to argue the case for the C.C.L.U.

The New York Times

Boris Johnson is widely expected to appear to argue the case for a vote to leave.

The Guardian

In the programme she hears historians argue the case for campaigners such as Thomas Clarkson.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "argue the case" when you want to emphasize a formal presentation of reasons or evidence to support a specific position or course of action. It's suitable for situations where you need to convince someone of something.

Common error

Avoid using "argue the case" in extremely casual conversations. Alternatives like "explain why" or "give reasons" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argue the case" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used to describe the act of presenting a reasoned argument or defense for a particular position. It is commonly used in legal, business, and academic contexts to indicate a formal and structured presentation of evidence and reasoning. The widespread use of this phrase as illustrated by Ludwig underscores its recognized and accepted status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "argue the case" is a correct and commonly used phrase that signifies presenting and supporting an argument or perspective, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans across various contexts, notably in news, science, and formal business settings, highlighting its versatility in reasoned discourse. While grammatically sound, remember to tailor your language to the formality of the situation. To enhance your writing, consider alternative phrases like "make a case for" or "present the argument". By considering its linguistic function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "argue the case" in your written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make a case for

Emphasizes the action of building support and justification for something.

Present the argument

Focuses on the act of presenting a reasoned argument, omitting the legal or formal implication of "case".

Advocate for

Suggests active support and promotion of a particular idea or policy.

Defend the position

Highlights the act of defending an already established standpoint.

Support the claim

Emphasizes providing evidence and reasons to back up a specific claim.

Plead the cause

Implies a more emotional or persuasive appeal, often for a specific cause.

Justify the action

Focuses on providing reasons to excuse or validate a particular action.

Reason the matter

Highlights the application of logic and reasoning to a particular issue.

Contend for

Suggests actively competing or struggling to establish a particular viewpoint.

Debate the issue

Focuses on formally discussing different sides of an issue in a structured way.

FAQs

How can I use "argue the case" in a sentence?

You can use "argue the case" to describe presenting reasons for a specific viewpoint, for example, "The lawyer will argue the case for her client's innocence."

What's a less formal way to say "argue the case"?

In less formal contexts, you could use phrases like "make a case for" or "explain why" instead.

Is it always necessary to use "argue the case" in legal settings?

While common in legal contexts, "argue the case" isn't the only option. Other terms like "present the argument" or "defend the position" can also be suitable.

What is the difference between "argue the case" and "argue the point"?

"Argue the case" typically refers to a more formal or structured presentation of reasons, often in a legal or official setting. "Argue the point" is more general and can refer to any instance of debating a specific detail or idea.