cogent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'cogent' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe a convincing and well-reasoned argument. For example, "The lawyer's cogent argument persuaded the judge to make a fair ruling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Stern review provided cogent reasons for why private R&D will never provide a large share of the many billions needed around the world to shift energy use away from fossil fuels.

The Guardian

Your editorial (9 May) made some cogent points about how Labour must refashion its political strategy.

The Guardian

Boris's plan fails on all three counts, and in our very own parallel universe he's trying to pass off his nutty more-of-the-same plans as a cogent policy direction.

The Guardian

He goes on to give a cogent, passionate, historically intriguing account of it, but the plane was bucking rather furiously then and my notes were beginning to look like dear Gordon's handwriting.

The Guardian

She is a reliable cogent figure.

The Guardian

"We want farmers to have control of their own destinies, to learn to market their products in these competitive globalised markets, so they are not dependent on some NGO," says Mr Wille.But perhaps the most cogent objection to Fairtrade is that it is an inefficient way to get money to poor producers.

The Economist

Its core thesis, reversing traditional verdicts on the role of London and Berlin in the conflict, is plainly cogent: smooth execution of the Schlieffen plan would certainly have been preferable for Europe to the ruinous Allied peace of 1919 (even if a rapid German victory over France would have been more punitive than in 1871).

The Economist

This is a cogent corrective to the usual European notion that fundamentalism is running amok in America.But America is not Mr Zakaria's main focus: the developing world is.

The Economist

The frail but cogent 83-year-old, wearing a grey tracksuit top, seemed far more relaxed than his interlocutor, a government journalist named Randy Alonso.

The Economist

The only thing left to do is change the name of your newspaper to The Communist.Carlos Ferrero Salamanca, SpainSIR – Your cogent analysis was a breath of fresh air.

The Economist

But at least by backing a stimulus now he has a cogent answer to the immediate problem of the stuttering recovery).Mr Boehner is from the more sensible end of his party.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cogent" to describe arguments, reasoning, or evidence that is clear, logical, and convincing. It is particularly effective when you want to emphasize the strength and persuasiveness of a point.

Common error

Avoid using "cogent" when you simply mean 'clear' or 'understandable'. "Cogent" implies a strong, well-reasoned argument, not just simple clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cogent" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, typically abstract nouns like argument, reasoning, or evidence, to describe their quality of being clear, logical, and convincing. Ludwig AI supports this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cogent" is a powerful adjective used to describe arguments or reasoning that are clear, logical, and convincing. Ludwig AI validates its correct and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. The word denotes a high degree of persuasiveness and well-reasoned thought, distinguishing it from simpler terms like 'clear'. Use "cogent" to strengthen your writing by highlighting the robust and compelling nature of your claims. Avoid misusing it merely to indicate clarity without the added element of persuasive reasoning. Mastering such nuances can greatly enhance the precision and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convincing

Highlights the ability to cause someone to believe firmly in the truth of something.

compelling

Emphasizes the power to evoke interest, attention, or admiration in addition to being convincing.

persuasive

Focuses on the ability to convince someone to do or believe something.

well-reasoned

Focuses on the careful and coherent thought process behind an argument.

sound

Suggests the argument or reasoning is valid, reliable, and well-founded.

substantiated

Indicates that the argument is supported by evidence and proof.

valid

Implies the argument adheres to logical principles and is structurally correct.

logical

Highlights the adherence to the principles of reasoning and deduction.

irrefutable

Stresses that the argument cannot be disproved or denied.

unassailable

Emphasizes the invulnerability of the argument to attack or question.

FAQs

How to use "cogent" in a sentence?

You can use "cogent" to describe a well-reasoned argument. For example, "The lawyer presented a "cogent" defense that swayed the jury."

What can I say instead of "cogent"?

You can use alternatives like "compelling", "persuasive", or "convincing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cogent argument" or "cogent reasoning"?

Both "cogent argument" and "cogent reasoning" are correct. "Cogent" can modify both "argument" and "reasoning" to describe their persuasive and logical qualities.

What's the difference between "cogent" and "eloquent"?

"Cogent" refers to the clarity and logical strength of an argument, while "eloquent" refers to the artful and persuasive expression of ideas. An argument can be both "cogent" and "eloquent", but they emphasize different qualities.