be argued that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be argued that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a claim or assertion that someone believes can be supported by reasoning or evidence. Example: "It can be argued that climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(It could be argued that Eileen has got over it.

The New Yorker

It can reasonably be argued that if Maj.

The New York Times - Arts

It can be argued that this shift is already underway.

The New York Times

It could be argued that this is an honourable title.

The Guardian - Opinion

It could be argued that Wadud's actions are divisive.

The Guardian - Opinion

It could be argued that South was lucky.

The New York Times - Arts

It can be argued that Clinton exemplifies the relationship.

The Guardian

It may be argued that reference features are dominantly governed by cyclic plasticity.

International Journal of Fatigue

It can be argued that structural biology could play a very important role in systems biology.

Current Opinion in Structural Biology

It cannot be argued that one expression is superior to the other, nor should it be.

University of California, Berkeley

It can easily be argued that we now hear poetry when we listen to popular songs.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be argued that" to introduce an idea you want to explore with supporting evidence, rather than stating it as an absolute fact. This acknowledges the possibility of counterarguments and invites further discussion.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "be argued that", as excessive use can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Opt for stronger, more direct verbs and active voice where appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be argued that" functions as a hedge or qualifier, softening a statement and presenting it as an opinion or interpretation rather than an absolute truth. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a common way to introduce a claim that needs support, often used to invite further discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be argued that" is a versatile tool for introducing claims and opinions that require supporting evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. While there are alternatives, such as "it can be maintained that" or "one might contend that", it's essential to avoid overuse of passive constructions for a more impactful writing style. Remember, using "be argued that" signals a nuanced understanding of the subject matter, acknowledging that the presented idea is open to interpretation and invites further exploration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can be maintained that

Changes the verb from "argued" to "maintained", suggesting a more assertive stance.

one might contend that

Uses "contend" instead of "argue", which implies a more formal and potentially contentious assertion.

it is plausible to suggest that

Replaces "argued" with "plausible to suggest", indicating a possibility rather than a firm claim.

one could assert that

Uses "assert" instead of "argue", implying a confident statement that may or may not be fully proven.

it is reasonable to think that

Emphasizes the logical aspect of the claim being made, using "reasonable to think" instead of "argue".

evidence suggests that

Shifts the focus to the supporting evidence, rather than the act of arguing.

it is conceivable that

Focuses on the possibility of something being true, using "conceivable" to soften the claim.

it is worth considering that

Suggests that the idea should be taken into account, rather than definitively argued for.

it may be the case that

Presents the idea as a potential reality, using "may be the case" to convey uncertainty.

it is believed that

Attributes the idea to a general belief, rather than a specific argument.

FAQs

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

Use "be argued that" to introduce a claim or opinion that you intend to support with evidence or reasoning. For example, "It can "be argued that" stricter environmental regulations are necessary to combat climate change."

What are some alternatives to "be argued that"?

Alternatives include "it can be maintained that", "one might contend that", or "evidence suggests that", each offering a slightly different nuance in meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "be argued that"?

It's appropriate when you want to present an idea as arguable or open to interpretation, rather than as a definitive fact. This is often useful in academic writing, debates, and discussions where different viewpoints are expected.

What is the difference between "be argued that" and "it is a fact that"?

"Be argued that" introduces an opinion or claim requiring support, while "it is a fact that" introduces something presented as an established truth. Using "be argued that" indicates that the statement is open to debate and requires justification, unlike a statement of fact.