it was argued

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was argued" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a point of view or claim that has been presented or debated by someone, often in academic or formal contexts. Example: "In the discussion on climate change, it was argued that immediate action is necessary to mitigate its effects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These, it was argued, unwisely limited the authority of managers.

The New York Times

Slavery, it was argued, was ceasing to be profitable.

The Economist

Holiday cheer, it was argued, might provide the needed stimulus.

The New York Times

It was argued that this exacerbated the crash.

The Economist

It was argued that those assemblages evolve toward climax communities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After all, we are extraordinarily complex creatures, it was argued.

The Guardian - Books

In Israel, it was argued that Mr. Ban's decision could shorten the path to war.

The New York Times

It was argued that cultural consensus is rare and that interpretations are therefore always partial.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sanctions, it was argued, would be sufficient to drive Saddam out of Kuwait.

The New Yorker

The candidate of the biggest group, it was argued, should become president of the commission.

The Economist

Machines were taking all the jobs that required basic skills, it was argued.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance the impact of your writing, follow "it was argued" with a 'that' clause that concisely summarizes the core point or evidence being presented.

Common error

Avoid using "it was argued" without specifying or implying who made the argument. Providing context or source attribution strengthens the credibility and persuasiveness of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was argued" functions as an introductory device in sentences, typically used to present a claim, viewpoint, or proposition that someone has put forth. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and serves to introduce arguments in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was argued" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce a viewpoint or claim, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedia sources, indicating its suitability for formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who presented the argument. While there are several alternatives, such as "it was asserted" or "the claim was made", the choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Remember to avoid vague attribution and to follow the phrase with a clear summary of the argument to enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the contention was

Replaces "it was argued" with "the contention was", focusing on the act of contending a point.

the claim was made

Substitutes "it was argued" with "the claim was made", emphasizing the act of asserting a claim.

it was asserted

Replaces "argued" with "asserted", suggesting a confident declaration of a viewpoint.

it was posited

Substitutes "argued" with "posited", indicating a proposition put forth for consideration.

the proposition stated

Uses "the proposition stated" instead of "it was argued", highlighting the statement of a formal proposal.

the viewpoint expressed was

Replaces "it was argued" with a more descriptive phrase about expressing a viewpoint.

the position taken was

Substitutes "it was argued" with "the position taken was", focusing on the stance or position adopted.

it was suggested that

Replaces "argued" with "suggested", softening the assertion to a suggestion.

the reasoning presented was

Substitutes "it was argued" with "the reasoning presented was", emphasizing the logic behind the argument.

the rationale offered was

Replaces "it was argued" with "the rationale offered was", focusing on the justification provided.

FAQs

How can I use "it was argued" in a sentence?

Use "it was argued" to introduce a viewpoint or claim that has been presented. For example: "It was argued that increased funding would improve educational outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "it was argued"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was asserted", "it was claimed", or "the contention was", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was argued" formal or informal?

"It was argued" is generally considered suitable for formal and academic writing but can also be used in news and media contexts. It is less common in informal conversation.

What's the difference between "it was argued" and "it was suggested"?

"It was argued" implies a reasoned case was made, while "it was suggested" implies a less forceful recommendation or idea was put forward.