it is possible to argue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is possible to argue" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to introduce an opinion or claim that may be debated or challenged. Example: It is possible to argue that social media has both positive and negative effects on society.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a profile of Mr. Koons in The New Yorker in 2007 Calvin Tomkins observed that "it is possible to argue that no real connection exists between Koons's work and what he says about it".

The New York Times - Arts

"It is possible to argue that western intervention makes things worse and it is possible to argue that the absence of western intervention makes things worse.

The Guardian

And it is possible to argue that the list is too long and too ambitious.

The Economist

If you take only the Koran, it is possible to argue for a different conclusion.

The Economist

It is possible to argue that Middlemarch is the greatest English novel.

The Guardian - Books

It is possible to argue that no real connection exists between Koons's work and what he says about it.

The New Yorker

It is possible to argue that the resulting world would be no worse than the world as it is.

The Economist

Because it is possible to argue that energetic dirt-digging is the obverse side of the uncovering of genuine scandals".

The Guardian

So it is possible to argue that the butchery of chimps for food is tantamount to cannibalism.

The New York Times - Science

It is possible to argue in general that these results are artefacts of the US system of political appointments.

The Guardian

It would be interesting to know what she really feels, and it is possible to argue that such information is relevant to the electorate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is possible to argue" to introduce a point that may have differing opinions or evidence supporting alternative viewpoints. It signals to the reader that the following statement is not a definitive fact, but rather a perspective open to discussion.

Common error

While useful, overusing "it is possible to argue" can make your writing sound hesitant or repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using stronger verbs or more direct assertions when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is possible to argue" functions as a hedge or a qualifier. It introduces a statement or opinion that may not be universally accepted or definitively proven. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to present an idea open to debate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is possible to argue" is a versatile phrase used to introduce debatable points across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Its frequency is high, appearing most often in news and scientific sources. Related phrases include "it can be argued" and "one could contend", offering subtle variations in tone and emphasis. When writing, remember to use this phrase to introduce opinions open to discussion, but avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. The phrase serves as a hedge, inviting consideration of alternative perspectives in a balanced manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can be argued

Uses a passive voice construction, shifting the emphasis slightly.

it's arguable that

Uses a contraction for a slightly more informal tone.

one could contend

Replaces "it is possible" with a more direct assertion of capability.

one may assert that

Uses more formal tone.

it is plausible to suggest

Indicates that the argument is reasonable and believable.

a case can be made

Emphasizes the construction of a reasoned argument.

one might posit

Introduces a more tentative or theoretical suggestion.

it is conceivable to assert

Employs a more formal tone and highlights the conceivability of the assertion.

it would not be unreasonable to claim

Emphasizes the reasonableness of the claim being made.

the argument could be advanced that

Formal and emphasizes the progression of the argument.

FAQs

How can I use "it is possible to argue" in a sentence?

You can use "it is possible to argue" to introduce a debatable point. For instance, "It is possible to argue that social media has more negative than positive impacts".

What are some alternatives to "it is possible to argue"?

Alternatives include "one could contend", "it can be argued", or "a case can be made", depending on the context and desired tone.

Is it better to use "it is possible to argue" or a more direct statement?

The choice depends on the context. Use "it is possible to argue" when presenting a viewpoint that might be debated. Use a direct statement when you are confident in the assertion and have strong evidence.

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

"It is possible to argue" emphasizes the act of making an argument, while "it's arguable that" suggests the point is open to debate or question. They are very similar in meaning and often interchangeable.