made the argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made the argument" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a point of view or reasoning that someone has presented in a debate or discussion. Example: "In her essay, she made the argument that climate change is the most pressing issue of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

First, congressional Republicans made the argument against the mandate a Republican position.

The New Yorker

Mr. Case also made the argument, correctly, that all regulation can't protect everybody.

The New York Times

"We have made the argument consistently that our curriculum is very rich," Ms. Cook said.

The New York Times

"She's made the argument that she's thoroughly vetted, in contrast to me," Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

Gates has long made the argument that "today's tools" are incapable of slashing emissions.

The Guardian

BL: Although I made the argument against them last week, I really love Wichita State's draw.

The Guardian - Sport

But nobody has made the argument as passionately or as powerfully as Sanders.

The New Yorker

Talley made the argument on Zappos Couture, an online American retail site which he is the artistic director of.

Independent

Sumner invoked John Quincy Adams, who, first in 1836 and again in 1842, had made the argument for military necessity.

The New York Times

He made the argument for health care reform, financial re-regulation and fair taxation, all while firing up the crowd.

The New York Times

His position is not original, although he has made the argument about immigration undermining the welfare state his own.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made the argument" when you want to emphasize the action of presenting a specific viewpoint or line of reasoning, especially in a formal or analytical context. This phrase is suitable for summarizing someone's stance in a discussion or written work.

Common error

Avoid using "made the argument" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "said" or "explained" might be more appropriate in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made the argument" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI validates its correct and common usage in English. It typically introduces a statement or proposition that someone has presented, supported by reasoning or evidence, aiming to persuade or convince.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made the argument" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the presentation of a viewpoint or rationale. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently encountered across various reliable sources. While its primary contexts lie within news media, science, and business writing, understanding its nuances, especially the difference between "made the argument" and "stated the opinion" is key to effective and precise communication. For alternative phrasings, consider options such as "presented the case" or "put forth the argument".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

argued the case

Directly substitutes "made" with "argued" maintaining the core meaning but varying the verb.

presented the case

Focuses on the structured presentation of evidence to support a claim.

put forth the argument

Emphasizes the act of introducing an argument for consideration.

advanced the thesis

Highlights the proposition of a specific idea or theory.

contended that

Implies a firm assertion or debate about a particular point.

asserted the position

Stresses a confident declaration of a particular stance.

posited the idea

Suggests the introduction of an idea or concept for discussion.

maintained the belief

Highlights the persistence of holding a certain conviction.

claimed the point

Indicates the assertion of a specific detail or aspect.

submitted the reasoning

Emphasizes the act of presenting the rational basis behind a decision or opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "made the argument" in a sentence?

You can use "made the argument" to describe someone presenting a specific viewpoint, such as, "The lawyer "made the argument" that the evidence was insufficient."

What can I say instead of "made the argument"?

Alternatives include "presented the case", "put forth the argument", or "contended that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "makes the argument" instead of "made the argument"?

Yes, "makes the argument" is correct. "Made" is the past tense, while "makes" is the present tense, so your choice depends on the context and timeframe you're discussing.

What's the difference between "made the argument" and "stated the opinion"?

"Made the argument" implies a reasoned presentation with supporting evidence, while "stated the opinion" simply indicates expressing a personal belief without necessarily providing extensive justification.