drift of argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"drift of argument" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a particular person's extended reasoning or line of thought in an argument. For example: "John's drift of argument was mostly logical, but it lacked evidence to back it up."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The drift of the argument is sometimes difficult to discern, partly because of has frequent digressions to make bon mots, and partly because of his dialectical method of presentation, which approaches what he takes to be the truth via a series of successive approximations.

SEP

But given the drift of last week's Supreme Court arguments, he may be wishing that he'd settled for something less ideal, but more sustainable, than the bill the mandate built.

The New York Times

However this line of argument is specific to random drift; it does not generalize to all the factors that affect gene frequency change.

SEP

Or styles of argument?

The New York Times

A summer of argument.

BBC

End of argument.

Forbes

We have considered three families of argument: calibration arguments, accuracy arguments, and epistemic disutility arguments.

SEP

We then motivate and formalise the notion of argument trees and argument structures which provide a way of exhaustively collating arguments and counter-arguments.

Artificial Intelligence

I got his drift, of course.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Susan Michie - The Drift of Hours.

Huffington Post

"The clear drift of this is in the other direction".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drift of argument", ensure that the context clearly establishes the argument being referred to. Providing context avoids ambiguity and strengthens the communication.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "drift of argument" always implies aimlessness or weakness. While "drift" can suggest a lack of focus, it can also describe a subtle or evolving progression of ideas. Clarity depends on context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drift of argument" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes the overall direction or tendency of a line of reasoning. Although examples are limited, Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drift of argument" describes the general direction or underlying tendency of a line of reasoning. While grammatically correct and understandable, its usage is relatively uncommon; Ludwig AI validates it for written English. Alternatives like "direction of the argument" or "gist of the reasoning" can provide similar meanings. The key is to ensure contextual clarity when using the phrase. Though the phrase has limited examples, "drift of argument" maintains a neutral register, fitting various communication scenarios and is best used with a clear understanding of the subject being argued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direction of the argument

This alternative emphasizes the heading or trajectory that the argument is following.

trajectory of the reasoning

Similar to "direction", but implies a more plotted or predictable course.

thrust of the discussion

This alternative highlights the main point or force behind the discussion.

flow of the discourse

This highlights the way the argument progresses from one point to another.

drift of the conversation

Substitutes "argument" with a more informal term, suggesting a less structured or formal discussion.

tenor of the debate

This phrase captures the overall tone or character of a discussion, rather than the specific progression of points.

substance of the contention

This focuses on the key components and underlying importance of the disagreement.

gist of the reasoning

This focuses on the core essence or summary of the line of reasoning.

thread of the narrative

This emphasizes the argumentative line as a continuing story or account.

essence of the dispute

This alternative refers to the fundamental nature or key point of disagreement within the argument.

FAQs

What does "drift of argument" mean?

The "drift of argument" refers to the general direction, tendency, or underlying meaning of a line of reasoning or discussion. It encompasses the overall sense one gets from following the argument's progression.

How can I use "drift of argument" in a sentence?

You might say, "The "drift of the argument" suggested a move towards compromise" or "It was difficult to grasp the "drift of her argument" due to its complexity".

What are some alternatives to "drift of argument"?

Alternatives include phrases like "direction of the argument", "tenor of the debate", or "gist of the reasoning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "drift of argument" a formal or informal expression?

"Drift of argument" sits in a relatively neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing; a more specific or precise phrase might be preferable in highly formal settings.