argument to the effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "argument to the effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that a particular argument supports a specific conclusion or assertion. Example: "The lawyer presented an argument to the effect that the evidence was insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Prendergast suggests that, since Proust's "extraordinary syntactic structures" are themselves "often strange even to French ears", "there may well be a respectable argument to the effect that oddly unEnglish shapes are sometimes the best way of preserving their estranging force".

The Guardian - Books

So there is no plausible argument on behalf of the claim that fiscal contraction expands output; there is, on the other hand, a very plausible argument to the effect that fiscal contraction doesn't even help the fiscal situation.

The New York Times

The argument to the effect that the rulings of the court as to the admission of testimony, and upon questions of general law, deprived the defendant of its property and rights without due process of law, requires us to notice the limitations upon the authority of this court when dealing with legislative acts and proceedings to enforce the same in the state courts.

Cornell University

Then there is the ur-multicultural argument, to the effect that banning a society's "cultural traditions" on any grounds is unforgivably disrespectful — that the most we in the West should do is to help make the conditions of the procedure "safe," or to seek to limit it to what the American Academy of Pediatrics called a ritual "nick".

The New Yorker

It would be impossible to carry an argument to the effect that, say, paid-up members of the Conservative party, considered as an identifiable group, have rights by virtue of their group membership: for example, to be protected from sarcastic remarks or scorn, or the taking of their leader's name in vain.

The Guardian

And there's even an argument to the effect that increased trade reduces US employment in the current context; if the jobs we gain are higher value-added per worker, while those we lose are lower value-added, and spending stays the same, that means the same GDP but fewer jobs.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

HRW has released its correspondence with Tony Blair's office, in which it challenges him to discuss his strategy and pre-emptively dismisses arguments to the effect that quiet diplomacy is effective in places like Kazakhstan.

The Economist

True, one hears arguments to the effect that the rules have changed, that this time is different.

The New York Times

But for many people the argument to this effect sounds a lot like supply-side arguments to the effect that tax cuts for rich people are our only sure path to economic recovery.

The Economist

But trying to diminish the centrality of Lehman to the crisis with arguments to the effect that most of Lehman's big counterparties survived — because the government bailed them out — is just amazing.

The New York Times

All such agreements are per se illegal under United States antitrust law; that is, the court will assume that any such agreement is anticompetitive and will not hear arguments to the effect that the agreement actually enhances quality, competition, or consumer welfare in a particular case.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and your audience. While grammatically correct, this phrase can sound verbose in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "suggesting that" or "indicating that".

Common error

Avoid using "argument to the effect" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formality can make your communication sound stilted. Simpler phrases can often convey the same meaning more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argument to the effect" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a summary or interpretation of someone's argument. It sets up the expectation that a specific consequence, implication, or point is being conveyed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correctly used to present a condensed version of a more elaborate argument.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "argument to the effect" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, primarily employed in formal and academic contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It functions to introduce a summary or interpretation of an argument, emphasizing its direction or intended outcome. While "argument to the effect" is suitable for formal writing, it may sound stilted in casual conversations; simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. It is most frequently found in scientific and news media sources. Be mindful of the context and audience when choosing this phrase to ensure effective and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

argument suggesting that

This alternative replaces "to the effect" with "suggesting that", simplifying the phrasing while maintaining the core meaning.

argument indicating that

Similar to "argument suggesting that", this uses "indicating that" to convey the argument's implication.

contention that implies

This uses "contention" instead of "argument" and "implies" in place of "to the effect", changing the wording slightly while retaining the argumentative sense.

assertion that shows

Replaces "argument" with "assertion" and "to the effect" with "that shows", focusing on the act of asserting a point.

claim that demonstrates

Using "claim" instead of "argument" and "demonstrates" modifies the tone, emphasizing proof or evidence.

reasoning that proves

This variation employs "reasoning" to denote the argument and "proves" to highlight its persuasive power.

thesis postulating that

Replaces "argument" with the more academic "thesis" and uses "postulating that" to soften the assertion.

the point being that

This phrase focuses on summarizing the main point of an argument or discussion.

the idea is that

This alternative is more informal, presenting the core concept or belief.

the implication is

This focuses specifically on the inferred or suggested outcome of a statement or action.

FAQs

How can I use "argument to the effect" in a sentence?

Use "argument to the effect" when you want to indicate that an argument leads to a particular conclusion or implication. For example, "The lawyer presented an argument to the effect that the contract was invalid."

What are some alternatives to "argument to the effect"?

You can use alternatives like "argument suggesting that", "argument indicating that", or "claim that demonstrates", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "argument to the effect" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "argument to the effect" is quite formal. For informal writing, consider using simpler and more direct phrases that convey the same meaning.

What's the difference between "argument to the effect" and "argument suggesting that"?

"Argument to the effect" is more formal and implies a specific conclusion is being aimed at. "Argument suggesting that" is slightly less formal and implies a suggestion or implication rather than a direct conclusion.