it was their assertion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was their assertion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a claim or statement made by a group of people or individuals. Example: "During the debate, it was their assertion that climate change is primarily caused by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Central to Walt and Mearsheimer's hate-filled screed against Jewish participation in American politics was their assertion that it is perilous to speak out against Israel.

HuffPost

What killed the program was their assertion that the taxpayers could no longer afford it.

The New York Times

Instead, he reminded reporters that he ended his statement about Mr. Gore and the N.R.A. with the phrase "if I'm not mistaken," and told them it was their job to verify the assertion and Mr. Gore's responsibility to show that he was not a member of the group.

The New York Times

Torture was their rebellion against the power of people with a kind of conscience that they did not share; it was an assertion of their dominance over that kind of thinking.

Huffington Post

It was an assertion of selfhood.

The Economist

Souza — a fierce critic of the current White House who has his own Trump-trolling photo book out in October — criticized the senators for rushing toward a vote on Kavanaugh's nomination "without an FBI investigation" into the alleged assault because of Trump's assertion it was "not their thing".

Huffington Post

It was an optimistic assertion.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a blithe assertion that was simply untrue.

Huffington Post

Their discussion is as entertaining as it is edifying and their assertions are as sound as they are fantastical.

Johns Hopkins University

It is an assertion of values".

The New York Times - Arts

"It is the assertion of a promise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was their assertion", ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid attributing an assertion to a group without clear evidence that the entire group holds that view. Qualify the statement if only some members share the assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was their assertion" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a statement or claim made by a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. It sets the stage for presenting someone's viewpoint, argument, or declared belief, often paving the way for further analysis or counter-arguments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was their assertion" serves to introduce a statement or claim made by a group, typically in a neutral to formal register. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it is frequently encountered in news reporting, academic writing, and scientific discourse. When using this phrase, clarity is paramount: ensure the referent of "they" is unambiguous. Alternative phrases, such as "they asserted" or "their claim was", can be used to vary the expression while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they asserted

Directly states the act of asserting by the group, simplifying the original phrase.

their claim was

Replaces "assertion" with "claim", indicating a statement presented as true but potentially contestable.

their contention was

Uses "contention" to suggest a point argued for in a debate or disagreement.

they maintained that

Emphasizes the persistence of their statement or belief over time.

it was their position that

Highlights their stance or viewpoint on a particular matter.

their declaration was

Implies a formal or official statement of their belief or intention.

they posited that

Suggests that they put forward an idea or theory for consideration.

their argument was

Focuses on the reasoning and evidence they used to support their statement.

it was their thesis that

Specifically refers to their main argument or proposition, especially in academic context.

they professed that

Suggests an open admission or declaration of their belief.

FAQs

What does "it was their assertion" mean?

The phrase "it was their assertion" means that a group of people stated or claimed something as a fact or belief. It indicates the act of declaring something, often without providing conclusive proof.

How can I use "it was their assertion" in a sentence?

You can use "it was their assertion" when you want to report or discuss a claim made by a group. For example, "It was their assertion that the project would be completed on time, despite numerous delays."

What can I say instead of "it was their assertion"?

You can use alternatives like "they asserted", "their claim was", or "they maintained that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was their assertion" formal or informal?

"It was their assertion" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for academic writing, news reporting, and professional communication. Simpler alternatives like "they said" are more informal.