heart of argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heart of argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the central point or main issue of a discussion or debate. Example: "The heart of the argument lies in whether the benefits of the policy outweigh its potential drawbacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The imported drug was at the heart of arguments in three hearings on Tuesday.

The New York Times

At the heart of arguments over the war there has always been the question of what's happening "on the ground".

The New Yorker

Exploration of how happiness studies can uncover happiness at the heart of arguments about democracy, religion, and personal lifestyles, exploring what makes people happy across cultural, social, and national contexts.

Stanford University

At the heart of arguments made by British euro-skeptics is the notion that, when Britain joined the forerunner of the European Union, almost 40 years ago, voters believed they were joining a free trade area, known as the Common Market.

The New York Times

There will be recommendations from both Ofcom and the Competition Commission, but ultimately this will be a political decision which goes to the heart of arguments about media ownership, democracy and power.

The Guardian

In May, Guardian environment editor Damian Carrington noted that the balance between those two approaches is at the heart of arguments about how to fight climate change and also how to ensure the UK's energy system is simultaneously low-carbon, affordable and secure.

The Guardian

I think such an idea is at the heart of arguments about continued relevance for/of political theater.

Duke University

Age and consent, then, are at the heart of arguments in favour of FGCS.

Vice

Now, the heart of the argument (or is it the argument of the heart?), Peeta.

Huffington Post

The closest Kennedy came to capturing the emotion felt by campaigners and protesters on both sides of the argument was when he was describing the institution at the heart of the argument.

The Guardian

Power was at the heart of the argument about Brexit.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heart of argument", ensure the surrounding context clearly defines the specific argument being referenced. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "heart of argument" in overly complex or convoluted sentences. It can make the sentence harder to understand. Instead, break down the sentence or rephrase for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heart of argument" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies the central, most crucial element within a discussion or debate. While Ludwig indicates it is correct and usable, its impact is maximized when used precisely.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heart of argument" effectively identifies the central issue in a discussion or debate. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, its impact is enhanced when the context is clearly defined. Alternative phrases like ""core of the argument"" or "crux of the argument" offer similar meanings. Avoiding overuse in complex sentences helps maintain clarity. Overall, "heart of argument" is a valuable tool for focusing attention on the most critical aspects of a discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core of the argument

Replaces "heart" with "core", emphasizing the central part of the argument.

crux of the argument

Uses "crux" to highlight the most vital or decisive point.

central point of contention

More formal, emphasizing disagreement as the central element.

main thrust of the argument

Focuses on the primary direction or force of the reasoning.

key aspect of the debate

Highlights a significant element within a broader debate.

essence of the dispute

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of a disagreement.

fundamental issue at stake

Highlights the core problem or risk involved.

underlying principle of the argument

Focuses on the foundational belief or assumption.

real issue in question

Highlights the actual problem that is being discussed.

the nub of the matter

An idiomatic expression indicating the central point.

FAQs

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

You can use "heart of argument" to refer to the central point or main issue of a discussion or debate. For example, "The "core of the argument" lies in whether the benefits of the policy outweigh its potential drawbacks".

What can I say instead of "heart of argument"?

You can use alternatives like ""core of the argument"", "crux of the argument", or "central point of contention" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "heart of argument" or "core of argument"?

Both "heart of argument" and "core of argument" are correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "heart of argument" and "essence of dispute"?

"Heart of argument" generally refers to the central point of a specific argument, while "essence of dispute" refers to the fundamental nature of a disagreement. They are similar, but "essence of dispute" often implies a more profound or underlying disagreement.