be argued to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be argued to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a point of view or a claim that someone believes can be supported or defended in an argument. Example: "It can be argued to be the best solution for the problem at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Cooke affair can be argued to a stalemate.

The New York Times - Arts

Some unobtrusive buys could be argued to be almost as important as spectacular acquisitions.

The New York Times - Arts

Some of these rules could also, by definition, be argued to be racist.

The Guardian

At £3.73 million, Gerhard Richter's "Neger (Nuba)" missed the low estimate but can hardly be argued to have been undersold.

The New York Times - Arts

The truth is both are forms of censorship, and equally both could be argued to be editing.

The Guardian

Indeed, it could be argued to be necessary: NGOs play a vital oversight role, and governments make the hard calls.

The Guardian

In a way, the new post from theatremaker Chris Goode could be argued to tackle a similar area.

The Guardian

Some of Constantine's contributions can, in fact, be argued to have been already implicit in the trends of the last half century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Neither the posthumous Maillol nor the formulaic Signac, painted in a style that had been modern three decades earlier, can be argued to have been cheap.

The New York Times - Arts

The same may be argued to be true with the electoral reform in the country.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

This could potentially be argued to support the hypothesis that Context participants explored the scene more.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing this phrase, ensure the subsequent claim is logically sound and supported by verifiable information to strengthen the argument.

Common error

While "be argued to" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider active voice alternatives when possible to make your arguments more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be argued to" functions as a hedging device, softening a claim by presenting it as something that can be debated or supported with evidence rather than a definitive statement. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in academic, news, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be argued to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce a debatable point. Ludwig AI confirms its presence across diverse sources, particularly in science and news. When using this phrase, make sure to back your claim with solid evidence. Alternatives like "can be contended to" offer subtle variations. By understanding the nuances of "be argued to", you can effectively present well-supported arguments in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is arguable that

Similar in meaning, but uses a more impersonal construction.

one could argue that

Emphasizes the possibility of making an argument.

can be contended to

Replaces "argued" with "contended", suggesting a firm assertion that may be challenged.

can be maintained that

Emphasizes the act of upholding a particular viewpoint or claim.

can be posited that

Introduces a statement as a hypothesis or theory that can be explored.

might be asserted that

Suggests a claim being put forward with some degree of confidence.

could be construed as

Focuses on the interpretation of something in a particular way.

may be inferred that

Highlights the drawing of a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning.

could be deemed to be

Implies a judgment or assessment of something's nature or quality.

might be suggested that

Offers a proposition or idea for consideration, often tentatively.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be argued to" introduces a claim or point of view that can be supported with reasoning or evidence. For instance, "The policy can "be argued to" have unintended consequences."

What are some alternatives to "be argued to"?

Alternatives include "can be contended to", "it is arguable that", or "might be suggested that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be argued to" or "is argued to"?

"Be argued to" often suggests a potential or hypothetical argument, while "is argued to" implies that the argument is already being made. "The proposal can "be argued to" reduce costs" versus "The proposal is "is argued to" reduce costs by its proponents."

When is it appropriate to use "be argued to" in academic writing?

It's appropriate when presenting a viewpoint that requires further support or justification. It signals that you are offering an interpretation or a claim that can be debated and is not necessarily a universally accepted fact. For example: "This result can "be argued to" support the hypothesis that..."