debatable assertion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "debatable assertion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a statement or claim that is open to disagreement or differing opinions. Example: "The author's conclusion is a debatable assertion that invites further discussion and analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

She asserted that the Reagan recession was deeper and worse (a debatable assertion given the sudden and severe collapse in 2008).

The New York Times

This is a much more debatable assertion.

The New York Times - Books

Even if the Bush administration's reform package is as anti-environmental as some critics claim -- a highly debatable assertion -- the impact, given the other provisions on power plants, is unlikely to be of consequence.

The New York Times

He begins with the highly debatable assertion that for much of their history North and South Korea were "nearly indistinguishable in terms of human rights abuses and Stalinist-style development policies".

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Clarke plays down, even dismisses, Johnson's extraordinary legislative mojo in getting Kennedy's stalled initiatives passed, making the debatable assertion that Kennedy "would have succeeded in getting a civil rights bill through Congress, but perhaps not until after the election" of 1964.

The New York Times - Books

"In our view, a debatable assertion that an official misapplied classification guidance does not rise to the level of disclosing a 'substantial violation' of a law, rule or regulation," Marmolejos wrote.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mr. Amis adds nothing illuminating to these writers' thinking, while blindly accepting some of their more debatable assertions.

The New York Times - Books

Strip-searching... ......) As for the implication that Amis is "deeply indebted to other writers," she pushes her nib deeper, saying he "adds nothing illuminating to their thinking, while blindly accepting some of their more debatable assertions".

Independent

But it also makes some more debatable assertions, about the appropriate balance of fiscal consolidation between different age groups, for example – punishing pensioners isn't going to help a single child achieve more in life.

The Guardian

Responding before the report was published, the deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, said the report "makes some debatable assertions, including about the appropriate fiscal consolidation between different age groups – punishing pensioners is not going to help a single child achieve more in life".

The Guardian

This lack of temporal distance leads to certain debatable assertions.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "debatable assertion", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the assertion is open to debate. Providing counterarguments or alternative perspectives can strengthen your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "debatable assertion" when the claim is clearly false or unsupported. Instead, use stronger language to indicate the falsehood or lack of evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debatable assertion" functions as a qualifier, specifically modifying the noun "assertion". According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that the assertion is not a definitive truth, but rather a claim open to discussion and disagreement. It is used to introduce a statement that may be challenged or questioned.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Books

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

16%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "debatable assertion" is a phrase used to describe a statement or claim that is open to discussion and disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, particularly in news, books, and academic writing. While not extremely common, its usage is consistent and appropriate for expressing uncertainty or skepticism. Consider using alternatives such as "contestable claim" or "arguable point" to convey slightly different nuances. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the reasons for its debatability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contestable claim

Focuses on the idea that the claim can be challenged or disputed.

disputable statement

Emphasizes the potential for disagreement or doubt about the statement.

questionable premise

Highlights that the underlying basis or foundation of an argument is uncertain.

arguable point

Suggests the point is open to debate and differing interpretations.

debatable proposition

Presents the idea as something put forward for consideration and discussion, but not necessarily accepted.

controversial argument

Highlights that the argument is likely to cause disagreement or provoke strong opinions.

disputed contention

Focuses on the idea that the contention is actively being challenged or opposed.

uncertain claim

Emphasizes the lack of certainty or definitive proof for the claim.

unproven statement

Highlights that the statement lacks sufficient evidence or verification.

tenuous argument

Suggests the argument is weak or flimsy and easily refuted.

FAQs

How can I use "debatable assertion" in a sentence?

You can use "debatable assertion" to describe a statement that is open to discussion or disagreement. For example: "The author's claim that technology will solve all our problems is a "debatable assertion"."

What are some alternatives to "debatable assertion"?

Alternatives to "debatable assertion" include "contestable claim", "disputable statement", or "arguable point", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes an assertion "debatable"?

An assertion is "debatable" if there is reasonable evidence or argument to support opposing viewpoints. It implies that the statement is not universally accepted and can be challenged.

Is "debatable assertion" a formal or informal phrase?

"Debatable assertion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in academic or professional writing.