it is arguable that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is arguable that" is perfectly acceptable in written English.
It is used when you want to present an idea or opinion that is open to debate or discussion. For example: "It is arguable that global warming is a major threat to our planet."

✓ 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 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

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

The Guardian - Opinion

It is arguable that the demand for shared accommodation has never been greater.

The Guardian

It is arguable that nothing so endangers world peace and human rights as official victimhood.

The Guardian

It is arguable that the threshold is not really the main issue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is arguable that", follow it with clear and concise reasoning or evidence to support the claim, even if the evidence is not conclusive.

Common error

Avoid using "it is arguable that" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your arguments seem weak and indecisive. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "it is debatable whether" or "one could argue that" to maintain a stronger, more engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is arguable that" functions as a hedge, softening a statement and indicating that it's an opinion or interpretation, rather than an absolute fact. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various sources demonstrating its use in introducing debatable points.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is arguable that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce claims or interpretations that are open to debate. Ludwig AI highlights its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, academia and encyclopedias. The phrase functions as a hedge, softening statements and inviting discussion, making it suitable for neutral to formal writing styles. While common, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrasings to maintain a strong and engaging writing tone. Remember to support claims introduced with "it is arguable that" with clear reasoning or evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is debatable whether

Replaces "arguable" with "debatable", emphasizing the uncertainty and potential for disagreement.

it is open to question whether

Highlights the uncertainty and invites scrutiny or further investigation.

one could argue that

Shifts the focus to a hypothetical argument, softening the assertion.

it is possible to maintain that

Suggests the existence of a defensible, but not necessarily definitive, viewpoint.

it may be the case that

Introduces a possibility without committing to its certainty.

it seems reasonable to suggest that

Adds a layer of subjective assessment, implying a logical basis for the suggestion.

the evidence suggests that

Indicates a conclusion based on available evidence, open to alternative interpretations.

it is not unreasonable to assume that

Presents the statement as a logical inference, though not necessarily a proven fact.

it is conceivable that

Highlights the possibility of something happening or being true, even if unlikely.

it is a matter of opinion whether

Frames the statement as purely subjective, emphasizing the lack of definitive proof.

FAQs

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

Use "it is arguable that" to introduce an opinion or interpretation that is open to discussion. For example, "It is arguable that the internet has had a net positive effect on society."

What are some alternatives to "it is arguable that"?

You can use alternatives like "it is debatable whether", "one could argue that", or "it may be the case that" to express a similar idea.

Is it better to say "it is arguable that" or "it is a fact that"?

"It is arguable that" introduces an opinion, while "it is a fact that" introduces something presented as definitively true. Use "it is arguable that" when presenting a claim that others might dispute; use "it is a fact that" when stating something generally accepted as true.

What's the difference between "it is arguable that" and "it is possible that"?

"It is arguable that" suggests that there are reasons to support a claim, even if it's not definitively proven. "It is possible that" simply indicates that something could happen or be true, without necessarily implying any supporting evidence or reasoning.