conflicting arguments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conflicting arguments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing differing viewpoints or positions on a particular issue or topic. Example: "In the debate about climate change, there are many conflicting arguments that make it difficult to reach a consensus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Even the death of his son offers conflicting arguments.

Independent

They incorporate a formal representation of individual arguments and techniques for comparing conflicting arguments.

Artificial Intelligence

Unfortunately, the National Park Service has thus far rejected Bikeshare, with vague and sometimes conflicting arguments.

The Washington Post

Souter asked how the use of conflicting arguments could square with due process.

The New Yorker

But there was an undercurrent of conflicting arguments to this concert.

The New York Times - Arts

We help map the conflicting arguments, which will, hopefully, lead to more informed decisions.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Mr. Kyl finds unpersuasive Mr. Obama's warnings that defeating the treaty would undercut the warming relationship with Russia while preventing nuclear inspections, calling it a conflicting argument since it presumes Russia is a partner and untrustworthy at the same time.

The New York Times

When asked about it, he said his critique presented a conflicting argument, particularly with Mrs. Clinton and former President Bill Clinton raising the possibility with voters of Mr. Obama joining the ticket as a running mate.

The New York Times

So, a Skeptic is someone who has the ability to find, for any given argument in favour of a proposition P, a conflicting argument (i.e., one whose conclusion is a proposition which cannot be true together with P call it P*) which is equally convincing.

SEP

Caught between conflicting moral arguments, Gov. Jerry Brown, a former Jesuit seminary student, signed a measure Monday allowing physicians to prescribe lethal doses of drugs to terminally ill patients who want to hasten their deaths.

Los Angeles Times

Breast cancer leaves me no time for personality conflicts, arguments, debates or controversy.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "conflicting arguments", clearly and impartially outline each side before offering your own analysis or conclusion. This approach enhances credibility and demonstrates a balanced understanding of the issue.

Common error

Avoid presenting "conflicting arguments" as a simple binary. Acknowledge potential areas of overlap, shared assumptions, or degrees of agreement to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conflicting arguments" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "conflicting" modifies the noun "arguments". It describes a situation where there are opposing or contradictory viewpoints presented as reasons for or against something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

37%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conflicting arguments" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe opposing viewpoints or reasons in a discussion or debate. As Ludwig AI notes, this expression is used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, indicating a neutral register. Presenting "conflicting arguments" effectively involves outlining each side fairly and acknowledging the nuances of the disagreement. Remember to avoid oversimplification and strive for a balanced representation of diverse perspectives. Alternatives such as "opposing viewpoints" or "divergent opinions" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contradictory assertions

Replaces "arguments" with "assertions", emphasizing the clash of statements rather than reasoned debate.

opposing viewpoints

Shifts from "arguments" to "viewpoints", highlighting the differing perspectives.

divergent opinions

Focuses on the difference in "opinions", suggesting a broader disagreement than just logical arguments.

contending positions

Replaces "arguments" with "positions", emphasizing the competitive aspect of the disagreement.

clashing perspectives

Uses "perspectives" instead of "arguments", highlighting the subjective nature of the disagreement.

competing claims

Focuses on "claims" being made, suggesting a dispute over facts or assertions.

rival contentions

Emphasizes the competitive nature of the "contentions" or arguments.

differing standpoints

Highlights the variation in "standpoints", indicating fundamental disagreements in perspective.

discordant views

Replaces "arguments" with "views", focusing on the lack of harmony in opinions.

irreconcilable differences of opinion

Indicates a strong disagreement in opinions that is impossible to solve or reconcile.

FAQs

How can I effectively present "conflicting arguments" in my writing?

Start by clearly outlining each argument with supporting evidence. Then, fairly represent the strengths and weaknesses of each side before drawing a conclusion or stating your own position.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "conflicting arguments"?

You can use alternatives like "opposing viewpoints", "divergent opinions", or "competing claims" depending on the context.

Is it better to avoid "conflicting arguments" in persuasive writing?

No, acknowledging "conflicting arguments" can actually strengthen your persuasive writing by demonstrating that you've considered other viewpoints and can address them effectively.

What's the difference between "conflicting arguments" and "debates"?

"Conflicting arguments" refer to the substance of the disagreement, while "debates" describe the format or process through which those disagreements are discussed or presented.