for argument's sake

USAGE SUMMARY

'for argument's sake' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when someone is prepared to accept or discuss something although they do not necessarily agree with it. Example: Let's assume, for argument's sake, that lawyers can be trusted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's say for argument's sake it's true.

Huffington Post

Even if, for argument's sake, it's just five to ten percent, that represents a huge windfall for these nefarious groups.

Huffington Post

Finally, the crystal ball's a little murkier for Ladyhawke who – for argument's sake – is following the Pat Benatar template.

The Guardian - Music

For argument's sake, let's say you share his belief that there's gold in junk.

Huffington Post

Suppose, just for a moment, just for argument's sake, that (some) cryptocurrencies are not a giant scam, and what's more, they're not just another kind of financial asset.

TechCrunch

''Just for argument's sake.

The New York Times - Magazine

Let's for argument's sake pick a number.

Independent

(For argument's sake, allow him his hyperbole).

The New York Times - Arts

Also for argument's sake, Notre Dame and Kansas State have two shared opponents.

The New York Times - Sports

So, for argument's sake, let's say you are able to demonstrate this.

Independent

Just say, for argument's sake, that Rodriguez costs $20 million a season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for argument's sake", clearly signal that you are exploring a hypothetical scenario, not stating a personal belief.

Common error

Avoid presenting a statement introduced by "for argument's sake" as your own conviction. Always maintain a clear distinction between hypothetical scenarios and your actual stance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for argument's sake" functions as a discourse marker. It's used to introduce a premise or assumption that may not be true or agreed upon, but is being considered for the purpose of exploring its logical consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for argument's sake" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a hypothetical scenario or assumption for the purpose of discussion. As Ludwig AI states, it's employed when someone is prepared to accept something, even if they don't fully agree with it. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. By using this phrase, writers can explore alternative perspectives while clearly indicating that the presented scenario is not necessarily their own belief. Be sure to consider its implications and context, avoiding misinterpretations of personal belief. Also, remember the phrase "for argument's sake" can be replaced by similar phrases like "let's assume" or "suppose that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let's assume for the moment

Specifies that the assumption is only temporary.

for the sake of hypothesis

Highlights the hypothetical element and intention.

suppose, hypothetically

Highlights the hypothetical nature of the proposition.

assuming, purely for discussion

Clarifies that the assumption is solely for the purpose of discussion.

let's say, theoretically

Explicitly states the theoretical nature of the proposition.

granting that

Emphasizes concession to a point for the sake of argument.

just supposing

Indicates a purely speculative consideration.

taking as a given, provisionally

Highlights the provisional acceptance of a premise.

if we were to imagine

Frames the scenario as a product of imagination.

purely as a thought experiment

Designates it as a tool for exploration and critical thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "for argument's sake" in a sentence?

Use "for argument's sake" to introduce a hypothetical scenario or a viewpoint that you want to explore without necessarily agreeing with it. For example: "For argument's sake, let's assume that everyone has access to clean water."

What does "for argument's sake" mean?

"For argument's sake" means considering something for the purpose of discussion, even if you don't necessarily believe it to be true. It's a way to explore different perspectives or hypothetical situations.

Which is correct: "for argument's sake" or "for the sake of argument"?

Both "for argument's sake" and "for the sake of argument" are correct and have the same meaning. The choice between them is a matter of personal preference.

What can I say instead of "for argument's sake"?

You can use alternatives like "let's assume", "suppose that", or "granting that" depending on the specific context.