flow of argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flow of argument" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most often used to refer to the logical and/or chronological order of ideas in an essay, book, or argument. For example, "The author's flow of argument makes it easy to comprehend the main points and conclusions being made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Plato wrote his philosophy in dialogues, a form that requires different voices, and the ebb and flow of argument.

The Guardian - Books

Clearly not: the whole point is that in a free flow of argument, good ideas drive out bad ones.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then give feedback on the following: paper structure, the quality of data sources and methods of investigation used, specific issues on the methods and methodologies used (yes, there is a difference), logical flow of argument (or lack thereof), and validity of conclusions drawn.

The Guardian

Read the first and last lines of each paragraph to get a feel for the flow of argument and the topics of the chapter.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

5. Write letters to the editor of your newspaper and op-eds, with a steady flow of arguments about the fallacies and dangers of Trump's First 100 Day policies and initiatives.

Huffington Post

Find the flow of the argument.

The Guardian

Plato's attention to character and pace gives each one the feel of a mini drama with jokes, asides and interruptions to mark the ebb and flow of the argument.

The Guardian - Books

WASHINGTON — When Justice John Paul Stevens intervened in a Supreme Court argument on Wednesday to score a few points off the lawyer who was defending the death penalty for the rape of a child, the courtroom audience saw a master strategist at work, fully in command of the flow of the argument and the smallest details of the case.

The New York Times

Updated information and additional references suggested by HARPS reviewers have been added in Table 1, to maintain the original flow of the argument.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Use transitions to ease the flow of your argument.

WikiHow

The paper is well written from an English language and grammatical point of view, but I found the flow of the arguments to be difficult to follow, frequently overstated, and not always cohesive.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use transitional words and phrases to ensure a smooth and easily understandable "flow of argument" for your readers. This helps connect ideas and create a cohesive narrative.

Common error

Ensure each point logically connects to the previous one. A common mistake is presenting ideas that, while valid, don't clearly build upon each other, disrupting the "flow of argument".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flow of argument" functions as a noun phrase that describes the manner in which an argument progresses. It refers to the logical and sequential connection of ideas within a discussion or written piece. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it is used to assess and improve the understandability of arguments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flow of argument" refers to the logical progression and coherence of ideas within a discussion or piece of writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound phrase used to evaluate how easily an argument can be followed. Primarily found in news, wiki and scientific contexts, ensuring a good "flow of argument" involves using clear transitions and maintaining logical consistency. Common errors include disjointed ideas that disrupt coherence. By understanding its function and usage, writers can create more compelling and easily understandable arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progression of reasoning

This alternative focuses on the step-by-step advancement of thought within an argument.

logical sequence

This highlights the ordered and rational nature of the argument's structure.

line of reasoning

This suggests a specific path or direction the argument takes.

argumentative thread

This emphasizes the continuous and connected nature of the argument.

unfolding of the argument

This conveys a sense of gradual revelation and development.

coherent argumentation

This stresses the clarity and logical consistency of the argument's presentation.

stream of thought

This captures the continuous and connected progression of ideas, similar to a flowing river, although less formal.

train of thought

This suggests a series of interconnected ideas that lead to a conclusion.

narrative of the argument

This frames the argument as a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

development of the thesis

This focuses on how the main point or claim is expanded and supported throughout the argument.

FAQs

How can I improve the "flow of argument" in my writing?

Use clear topic sentences, logical transitions, and ensure each paragraph builds upon the previous one. Outlining your argument beforehand can also help.

What does it mean to have a good "flow of argument"?

It means that your ideas are presented in a logical and coherent order, making it easy for the reader to follow your reasoning and understand your conclusions. You could consider using a "logical sequence".

What are some alternatives to saying "flow of argument"?

You can use alternatives like "progression of reasoning", "line of reasoning", or "argumentative thread" depending on the specific context.

Is "flow of argument" formal or informal language?

"Flow of argument" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though the specific context might suggest more sophisticated phrasing for academic or professional settings.