it is arguable

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is arguable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when someone is expressing an opinion, or making a point that could be argued either way. For example, "It is arguable whether or not taxes should be increased to help fund government programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Worse still, it is arguable that its longtime friend in Washington has abandoned traditional labor.

Harvard Business Review

It is arguable that modification of diet, given its potential for positive health outcomes, should be widely advocated and adopted.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

But it is arguable that Zimbabwe could qualify.

The Economist

Consequently, it is arguable that he embodies no value at all.

Yale University

It is arguable that Sisley's Welsh paintings are his last, great flowering.

Independent

It is arguable whether Bob Marley remains as magnetic today as he once was.

Independent

It is arguable that she is now more listened to than her husband.

Independent

It is arguable that Tokyo is culturally the most varied city in the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The opinion need not be subtle or original, as long as it is arguable.

The New Yorker

It is arguable whether the ancient Greeks or Romans understood hieroglyphics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is arguable that four-year-olds are too young for this to apply.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is arguable" to introduce claims that are not universally accepted or have supporting evidence that might be interpreted differently.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it is arguable". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is arguable" functions as an epistemic marker, indicating uncertainty or a degree of subjectivity in a statement. As seen in Ludwig, it introduces claims that are open to interpretation or debate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is arguable" is a versatile phrase used to introduce claims that are open to debate or interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse fields like News & Media, Science and Academia. While it's a valuable tool for expressing nuanced opinions, be mindful of overuse. Consider alternatives like "it is debatable" or "it is open to question" for variety and precision. Use it strategically to present balanced arguments and invite critical thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is debatable

Replaces "arguable" with "debatable", emphasizing the presence of opposing viewpoints.

it is open to question

Indicates that the matter is not settled and invites further scrutiny.

it is a matter of opinion

Highlights the subjective nature of the claim.

it is not certain

Focuses on the lack of conclusive evidence.

it is possible to dispute

Emphasizes the potential for disagreement.

one could contend

Suggests a position that could be argued, but may not be universally accepted.

it remains to be seen

Highlights the uncertainty and the need for further observation.

the evidence is inconclusive

Points out that the available data does not provide a clear answer.

the point is moot

Suggests the topic is no longer worth discussing, due to lack of practical significance.

it is speculative

Implies the idea is based on conjecture rather than solid evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "it is arguable" in a sentence?

"It is arguable" introduces a statement that isn't a definitive fact but a point of view. For example, "It is arguable that the benefits of technology outweigh the drawbacks."

What are some alternatives to "it is arguable"?

You can use alternatives like "it is debatable", "it is open to question", or "it is not certain" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is arguable" or "it is debatable"?

Both phrases are similar, but "it is arguable" emphasizes that a case can be made for a particular point of view, while "it is debatable" highlights that the issue has different sides and is open to discussion.

What does "it is arguable" imply about a statement?

The phrase "it is arguable" implies that the statement is a subjective claim, and while there might be evidence or reasoning to support it, it isn't a universally accepted truth and can be contested.