be argued against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be argued against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a point or position that someone may oppose or challenge in an argument or debate. Example: "The theory presented in the article can be argued against by several counterexamples that demonstrate its limitations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

That at least can be argued against, informatively.

The Guardian - Opinion

And since how you feel can't be argued against, it is conveniently insulated from all debate.

The Guardian - Books

In an independent Scotland the case for radical alternatives would be argued against a backdrop free from the needs of London as a global financial centre, from "special relationships" and from an unrealistic view of our place in the world.

The Guardian

Witness statements can always be argued against, memories fade, things change".

Science Magazine

(This point can be argued against, of course: Android has been growing like crazy, but it only got Instagram around a year ago).

TechCrunch

However, it may be argued, against this view, that the regularity theory in fact constitutes something of an Achilles' heel for the compatibilist position.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

They should be arguing against this".

The Guardian

Clemons seems to be arguing against an idea few people have had.

TechCrunch

In fact, Leibniz accepts the conservation of momentum and thus must be understood only to be arguing against the non-vectorial quantity of motion.

SEP

Negative teams will be arguing against it.

WikiHow

Also, research the religions that you will be arguing against.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be argued against" to indicate that a viewpoint or claim is susceptible to counterarguments. Ensure that the context provides a clear understanding of what is being challenged and by whom.

Common error

Avoid using "be argued against" when a more direct and active voice would be clearer. For example, instead of "The proposal can be argued against", consider "Opponents will challenge the proposal".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be argued against" is to act as a passive construction, indicating that a particular point or idea is capable of being disputed or challenged. Ludwig examples demonstrate usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

55%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be argued against" functions as a passive construction to denote that a claim is disputable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in neutral to formal registers like news and scientific publications. While acceptable, writers should consider if a more direct, active voice alternative might provide greater clarity. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "be argued against" to express the vulnerability of a statement to counterarguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be questioned

Suggests that doubt is cast upon an idea, indicating scrutiny.

be challenged

Highlights the act of questioning or disputing a claim, often requiring further justification.

be contested

Indicates that a point is disputed or subject to disagreement, suggesting a formal challenge.

be refuted

Focuses on proving something wrong, emphasizing disproof rather than a general challenge.

be opposed

Emphasizes direct resistance or disagreement with a particular viewpoint.

be countered

Suggests a response aimed at weakening or negating an argument.

be rebutted

Implies a formal and structured response to disprove or invalidate a claim.

face opposition

Implies encountering resistance or disagreement from others.

be invalidated

Focuses on proving something as without substance or force.

be undermined

Highlights the weakening of an argument or position, often subtly.

FAQs

How can I use "be argued against" in a sentence?

You can use "be argued against" to indicate that a particular claim or idea is open to dispute or challenge. For example, "That point can "be argued against" with sufficient evidence".

What is a good alternative to "be argued against"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "be challenged", "be contested", or "be refuted" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use an active or passive voice when saying something can be challenged?

While "be argued against" is grammatically correct, using an active voice can sometimes be more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "This can be argued against", you could say "Someone might challenge this".

What does it mean when something "can be argued against"?

It means that there are likely counterarguments, opposing viewpoints, or evidence that could challenge the validity or strength of the statement or idea. Consider the context to understand the specific nature of the potential challenge.