argument behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'argument behind' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the reasoning or logic that serves as the basis for a certain argument. For example: "The argument behind his decision was that it would save the company money in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But the no-arguments view ignores the role of evidence and argument behind the religious beliefs of many informed and intelligent people.

The New York Times

"There's a rigorous economic argument behind this," he argues.

The Guardian

This seems to be main argument behind the current trend for all things flat.

Independent

This seems to be the implicit argument behind widespread hostility to public assistance for single mothers.

The New York Times

Regulations without a clear and open argument behind them are worrisome.

The Economist

It remained unclear Wednesday exactly how the Saudis lost the argument behind closed doors.

The New York Times

This was the argument behind the Social Democrats' preference for urban, multi-storey developments over settlements.

The Guardian

The Americans, while keeping much of the argument behind the scenes, "were dug in," a Western diplomat said.

The New York Times

One may argue with the choices and the rankings here, but there's a solid argument behind each one".

The Guardian - Film

Opponents of same-sex marriage say the legal questions surrounding the definition of marriage were a key argument behind the passage of the act in the first place.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Arguments behind the scenes have also become traditional.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "argument behind", ensure that the connection between the argument and the idea it supports is clear to avoid ambiguity. Provide context so the reader can easily understand the relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "argument behind" when you simply mean 'reason for'. The phrase "argument behind" implies a structured line of reasoning, not just a simple cause or explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argument behind" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, typically to specify the supporting reasons, logic, or rationale. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating its established role in expressing justification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "argument behind" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase, according to Ludwig AI. It serves to elucidate the reasoning, logic, or rationale underpinning a concept, decision, or action. Its versatility makes it suitable for diverse registers, though it is most commonly encountered in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. Understanding its function and communicative purpose empowers writers to clearly convey the bases for various claims and strategies. While alternatives like "reasoning for" or "rationale for" exist, "argument behind" remains a robust choice for indicating the supporting logic. The frequency of the phrase suggests it's a strong component of effective communication in numerous domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasoning for

Focuses on the logical thought process supporting something, emphasizing the 'why' more directly.

rationale for

Implies a more formal and structured justification, often used in academic or professional contexts.

basis for

Highlights the foundation or groundwork upon which something is built or justified.

underlying logic

Emphasizes the logical principles that support a decision or belief.

motivation for

Focuses on the driving force or incentive behind an action or decision.

justification for

Highlights the act of proving something to be right or reasonable.

thinking behind

Refers to the thought process and considerations that led to a particular outcome.

premise of

Indicates the foundational assumption or proposition upon which an argument is based.

purpose of

Emphasizes the intended aim or goal that something is designed to achieve.

driving force

Highlights the element that is causing the action or belief to take place.

FAQs

How can I use "argument behind" in a sentence?

Use "argument behind" to introduce the reasoning or justification for a particular idea, decision, or action. For example, "The argument behind the new policy is to improve efficiency".

What's a good alternative to "argument behind"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "reasoning for", "rationale for", or "basis for" to express a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state the "argument behind" something?

No, it's not always necessary. Whether you need to state the "argument behind" something depends on your audience and the complexity of the idea. If the reasoning is not intuitive, it's best to explain it.

How does "argument behind" differ from "motivation behind"?

"Argument behind" refers to the logical justification, while "motivation behind" refers to the driving force or incentive. The "argument behind" explains why something is believed to be true or effective, while the "motivation behind" explains what prompts someone to act.