cogent defense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cogent defense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a logical, clear, and convincing argument or reasoning in support of a position or claim. Example: "The lawyer presented a cogent defense that effectively countered the prosecution's claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A cogent defense of his action — and one that shows a well-considered sense of justice.

The New York Times

Cornel West himself unintentionally made the most cogent defense of Obama when he criticized the 2008 race speech.

The New Yorker

But apparent conflicts between Mr. Muhammad and his lawyers over strategy complicated their efforts to present a consistent, cogent defense.

The New York Times

Identifying herself as a "cultural conservationist" (but by no means a cultural conservative), Jacoby laments the decline of middlebrow American culture and presents a cogent defense of intellectualism.

The New Yorker

Shaking in detergent, he talked about how he was a bundle of contradictions, subject to irrational racist phantasms for which he had no cogent defense.

The New York Times

She delivered a cogent defense of, among other things, progressive taxation, religious freedom, and the principle of universal access to health care.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The scholarly controversy concerns what theory and implicit premises to ascribe to the writer so that the arguments come out as cogent defenses of a reasonable position.

SEP

This cogent, accessible defense of the political autonomy of universities is the most ambitious and convincing treatise on academic freedom written since the great days of John Dewey and Arthur O. Lovejoy, the founders of the American Association of University Professors.

University of California, Berkeley

In his May motion challenging her ability to stand trial, he wrote: "Counsel has visited with this Defendant on several occasions and has had difficulty developing a cogent, rational defense to these charges.

Vice

Rawls's reticence does not show there is nothing cogent to be said in defense of FEO or another norm in the wider family of substantive equality of opportunity norms.

SEP

It was refreshing to read Yousaf Butt's cogent critique of the current U.S. missile defense plans ("The delusion of missile defense," Views, Sept. 21).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "cogent defense" adds a layer of sophistication and indicates a carefully constructed argument.

Common error

Avoid using "cogent defense" excessively, as it can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "compelling argument" or "persuasive justification" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cogent defense" functions as a noun phrase, where "cogent" modifies the noun "defense". It describes a particular quality of a defense, emphasizing its clarity and persuasiveness. Ludwig examples show it used across varied contexts from legal arguments to intellectual discourse, reinforcing its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cogent defense" is a valid and useful phrase for describing a clear, logical, and persuasive defense. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Alternatives like "compelling argument" or "persuasive justification" can be used for variety. When employing "cogent defense", ensure your argument is well-supported and logically consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compelling argument

Replaces "defense" with "argument", emphasizing the strength of the reasoning.

well-reasoned argument

Expands on "cogent" to explicitly state the quality of reasoning.

persuasive justification

Substitutes both words, focusing on convincing reasoning.

convincing rationale

Similar to persuasive justification, stressing the underlying logic.

logical justification

Stresses the adherence to logical principles in the reasoning.

sound reasoning

Highlights the logical validity of the argument.

valid defense

Focuses on the legal or procedural correctness of the defense.

rational explanation

Emphasizes the clarity and reason behind the defense.

strong case

Emphasizes the overall strength and support for a position.

substantive argument

Highlights the depth and importance of the argument.

FAQs

How can I use "cogent defense" in a sentence?

You can use "cogent defense" to describe a well-reasoned and persuasive argument, such as, "The lawyer presented a "cogent defense" that effectively countered the prosecution's claims."

What can I say instead of "cogent defense"?

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

Is "cogent defense" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "cogent defense" is suitable for formal writing, as it conveys a sense of well-reasoned and logically sound argumentation, making it appropriate for academic, legal, and professional contexts.

What makes a defense "cogent"?

A "cogent defense" is characterized by its clarity, logical consistency, and persuasiveness. It presents a clear line of reasoning supported by evidence and is free from logical fallacies.