line of argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"line of argument" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a series of related ideas or points that are used to defend or support a particular point of view. For example: "The professor's line of argument in her essay was well-thought and logical, making it difficult to refute her claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This line of argument gets tangled.

The New Yorker

The other line of argument is causal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a plausible line of argument.

The Guardian - Business

We can follow that line of argument.

The Guardian

Webster and Critchley recoil from this line of argument.

The New Yorker

His line of argument has, it seems, been accepted.

The Economist

But this line of argument was not confined to Republicans.

The Economist

Locke claimed that this line of argument has no force.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That line of argument is surfacing again in Moscow.

The New York Times

Kaine's line of argument appeared to catch Allen off guard.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We then built a line-of-argument synthesis, which interpreted relationships between the concepts.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "line of argument", ensure each point logically connects to the previous one, creating a coherent and persuasive flow.

Common error

Avoid introducing unrelated or contradictory points within your "line of argument", as this weakens your overall claim and confuses the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line of argument" functions as a noun phrase that refers to a specific sequence of reasoning or points made to support a claim. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "line of argument" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a sequence of reasoning used to support a claim. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. To effectively use the phrase, ensure that your points are logically connected and consistently support your overall claim. Consider related phrases like "train of thought" or "chain of reasoning" for variety, but be mindful of subtle differences in meaning. By avoiding inconsistent progressions and maintaining a clear, logical flow, you can strengthen your "line of argument" and persuade your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chain of reasoning

Highlights the interconnectedness of the points in the argument.

thread of reasoning

Similar to train of thought, but emphasizes the continuity of the argument.

course of reasoning

Emphasizes the process of thinking and drawing conclusions.

the drift of the argument

Highlights the overall direction or tendency of the argumentative points being presented.

train of thought

Focuses more on the cognitive sequence of thinking rather than the formal structure of an argument.

the argument's thrust

Concentrates on the main direction or force of the argument.

form of reasoning

Refers to the method or style of argumentation used.

argumentative strategy

Emphasizes the tactical approach taken in presenting an argument.

rationale

Focuses on the underlying reasons or justification for a belief or action.

reasoning

A more general term referring to the process of forming conclusions, without specifying a particular line.

FAQs

How can I effectively present a "line of argument"?

Start with a clear thesis statement, then provide evidence and reasoning to support each point, ensuring a logical flow and strong conclusion. Use transitions to guide your audience through your argument.

What is a synonym for "line of argument"?

Alternatives include "train of thought", "course of reasoning", or "chain of reasoning", depending on the context.

Is "line of argument" formal or informal?

"Line of argument" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly used in academic, professional, and journalistic writing.

How does "line of argument" differ from "area of argument"?

"Line of argument" refers to a specific sequence of reasoning, while "area of argument" indicates a subject or field of debate.