it can be argued

USAGE SUMMARY

'It can be argued' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce a point of view that you are about to discuss or explain. For example: "It can be argued that people should exercise more in order to stay healthy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can be argued the other way round.

The Economist

West Indies, it can be argued, has been lucky.

The New York Times - Sports

It can be argued that Clinton exemplifies the relationship.

The Guardian

It can be argued that the Chinese government has no duty to ethnic Chinese abroad.

The Economist

It can be argued that customer satisfaction with XP is what killed Vista among business users.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In some ways, it can be argued that it defeated it.

The New Yorker

(This claim, it can be argued, clashes with his notion that Joyce's work is essentially autobiographical).

The New Yorker

It can be argued that the state's tolerance of individual belief is not a difficult issue.

The New York Times

The knees, it can be argued, are a basketball player's most crucial joints.

The New York Times - Sports

It can be argued that structural biology could play a very important role in systems biology.

Current Opinion in Structural Biology

It can be argued that hunter-gatherer societies were the original democracies (Ingold 1999).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be argued", always follow up with clear evidence or reasoning to support the claim. This strengthens your argument and makes it more persuasive.

Common error

While useful, overusing "it can be argued" can make your writing sound repetitive and hesitant. Vary your introductory phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be argued" functions as an epistemic modal phrase, indicating a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity in the statement that follows. It introduces a proposition as one that is open to debate or interpretation, rather than being presented as a definitive fact, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it can be argued" serves as a valuable tool for introducing subjective viewpoints or debatable propositions. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates that the subsequent statement is not a definitive fact but rather an interpretation supported by reasoning. While common across various domains like science, news, and media, it is crucial to avoid overuse and ensure that strong evidence backs up any claims introduced with this phrase. Alternatives like "it is plausible to argue" or "one might contend that" can add variety to your writing. Remember to support your arguments effectively, regardless of the introductory phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is plausible to argue

Stresses the believability and potential validity of the argument.

The case can be made that

Indicates that there is sufficient evidence to support a particular argument.

It is justifiable to claim

Emphasizes the fairness and legitimacy of making a particular claim.

One might contend that

Introduces a viewpoint with a degree of formality and possibility.

The argument could be advanced that

Highlights the act of proposing or putting forward an argument.

It may be maintained that

Suggests a sustained and defended viewpoint.

It is reasonable to suggest

Highlights the logical and sensible nature of the proposed idea.

One could posit that

Introduces a theory or hypothesis for consideration.

It is possible to assert

Emphasizes the possibility of making a firm statement or declaration.

It is conceivable that

Focuses on the plausibility and imaginability of the idea.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it can be argued" to sound more confident?

Consider using phrases like "it is clear", "it is evident", or "the evidence suggests" if you want to project more certainty.

What's a more formal alternative to "it can be argued"?

For a formal tone, try "one might contend that", "it is plausible to argue", or "the case can be made that".

Is "it can be argued" too weak for academic writing?

Not necessarily. It's useful for introducing nuanced or debated points. Just ensure you provide strong evidence to support your argument. Strong evidence will strengthen your argument regardless of how you choose to start it.

How do I avoid overusing "it can be argued" in my writing?

Vary your sentence starters by using different phrases like "some believe that", "it is often said that", or stating your point directly and then providing supporting evidence.