back up this argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back up this argument" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to request evidence or support for a particular argument or claim being made. Example: "To strengthen your position, please provide data or examples that back up this argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But they haven't provided any persuasive analysis to back up this argument, and history suggests that it is fallacious.

The New Yorker

To back up this argument, I thought I'd compile a list of some bullet points/suggestions one might want to cover if or when Banksy was included in a discussion or a class.

Huffington Post

I will back up this argument when I point out how the desires of those who fund her campaign conflict with the needs of our citizens in the next two installments of this series.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Top Democratic strategists speaking at the postelection conference in Chicago backed up this argument.

The New York Times

What backs up this argument is the fact that in cybersecurity, you're always up against some of the most devious minds, people who already know very well how machines and machine learning works and how to circumvent their capabilities.

TechCrunch

In legal briefs and during oral arguments before the Supreme Court in March, the Obama administration backed up this argument by pointing to other sections of the law that implied assistance should flow in all states -- as well as to legal doctrines under which courts traditionally defer to executive branch agencies when a statute's precise meaning is ambiguous.

Huffington Post

To back up this contentious argument, Trump cited a study that he said showed that entering the Paris Agreement would leave the U.S., by 2040, three trillion dollars poorer, and with 6.5 million fewer jobs.

The New Yorker

This would back up the argument that "man flu" exists because men would be more susceptible to viruses and therefore more likely to be unwell.

BBC

But the current terms for the winner of the auction doesn't back up that argument.

TechCrunch

An oft-cited example to back up the argument for flexibility is that of the company which elects not to include the results of a money-losing subsidiary in its reported earnings.

Forbes

To back up the argument, we performed a rescue experiment of the DopR1 mutant LTM by expressing the wild-type transgene in the Kenyon cells.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "back up this argument", ensure that the evidence you provide is directly relevant and clearly supports the specific claim being made. Avoid using tangential information that doesn't strengthen the core argument.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on personal stories or isolated incidents to "back up this argument". While anecdotes can be illustrative, they lack the broader applicability and statistical significance needed to build a robust case. Combine anecdotal evidence with empirical data and expert opinions for a more persuasive argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back up this argument" functions as a request for supporting evidence or justification. It prompts the speaker or writer to provide reasons, data, or other forms of validation for a claim they have made. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back up this argument" serves as a direct request for evidence or justification to support a claim. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While it appears most frequently in News & Media sources, it also finds application in Science and Wiki contexts. To enhance persuasive writing, consider alternatives such as "substantiate this argument" for a more formal tone or "support this argument" for general use. Always aim to provide relevant and clear evidence to strengthen your claims effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

support this argument

A more direct and general term for providing evidence or reasons to bolster the argument. More generic and interchangeable with the query.

provide evidence for this argument

A more descriptive and explicit way of asking for supporting information. Reduces ambiguity but lacks conciseness.

substantiate this argument

Emphasizes providing concrete evidence to prove the argument's validity. The tone is more formal and assertive.

validate this argument

Focuses on confirming the correctness or accuracy of the argument. Suggests a higher degree of certainty.

demonstrate this argument

Focuses on showing how the argument works or holds true through examples or practical application. It emphasizes a visual or practical confirmation.

justify this argument

Highlights the reasons why the argument is right, reasonable, or fair. It focuses more on the reasoning behind the argument.

corroborate this argument

Implies strengthening the argument with additional confirming evidence, often from independent sources. Focuses on multiple lines of evidence.

offer proof for this argument

Highlights that compelling support is required, with an intention to convince someone.

prove this argument

Demands definitive evidence to establish the absolute truth of the argument. It implies a very high standard of evidence.

give credence to this argument

Suggests that there are reasons why the argument should be believed or taken seriously. It may refer to personal reputation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "back up this argument" in a sentence?

Use "back up this argument" to prompt for evidence or justification. For example, "Before I can agree with your conclusion, can you "back up this argument" with some data?". This helps ensure claims are well-supported.

What's a more formal alternative to "back up this argument"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "substantiate this argument" or "validate this argument". These alternatives carry a more professional tone.

Is it always necessary to "back up this argument" with empirical evidence?

While empirical evidence is strong, the type of support needed to ""back up this argument"" depends on the context. Logical reasoning, expert opinions, and relevant examples can also serve as valid forms of support.

What is the difference between "support this argument" and "back up this argument"?

"Support this argument" is a more general term, while ""back up this argument"" implies providing concrete evidence or data to strengthen the claim. The latter suggests a need for tangible proof.