main lines of argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"main lines of argument" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a presentation or argument that has multiple components. For example: "The presenter's main lines of argument were supported by research data and anecdotes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

This introductory essay briefly outlines the nature of Enterprise Resource Planning systems, noting the main lines of argument in their treatment in the accounting literature so far.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

Students might begin by skimming to identify the "geography" of the book -- its subheadings, graphs, maps and tables and its main lines of argument.

The New York Times

Three main lines of argument can then be delineated: first of all, the degree of cumulativeness of science and technologies and the respective roles of newcomers and incumbents in the industrial dynamics; second the knowledge dynamics in nanotechnologies, especially the linkages by science and technology and third the role of institutions (network, geographic agglomeration and job market).

Research Policy

He said he had considered four main lines of argument from those who claimed there was no need for additional runways: that passenger demand forecasts were inaccurate, that operational changes and bigger planes could accommodate more passengers; that constraining growth would be the greenest option; and that government could push traffic from London's crowded airports to others around the country.

The Guardian

Setting aside the very angry reader who called me an "atheist Jew" and suggested I was writing from the "pit of Hell itself" – a comment we did not post since it violated most of our guidelines – there were four main lines of argument.

The New York Times

Particular CSR initiatives may do good, or harm, or make no difference one way or the other, but it is important to resist the success of the CSR idea that is, the almost universal acceptance of its premises and main lines of argument.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The call for a post-ELSI shift, to summarize, seems to rely on three main lines of arguments of why ELSI research programs fails as normative programs: ELSI research is geared towards researching 'consequences' of research in ways that make it blind for the politics of research and draw attention away from important matters of concern.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Explain the main line of argument that Plantinga there advances.

Yale University

Critics of gentrification romanticise working-class poverty, goes the main line of argument.

The Guardian

The judge, Col. Peter S. Won dolowski, apparently disallowed the main line of argument pre sented for the defense of First Lieut.

The New York Times

The second, increasingly the main line of argument by gun-rights advocates, is that's it's necessary to prevent governments from arrogating tyrannical powers to themselves.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a complex debate, use "main lines of argument" to introduce the primary viewpoints.

Common error

Avoid using "main lines of argument" when you are actually referring to specific examples or supporting evidence. Stick to describing the overarching arguments, not the granular details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main lines of argument" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves to identify the principal threads or core components within a debate, discussion, or persuasive discourse. As Ludwig highlights, it’s commonly used across various fields.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "main lines of argument" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for outlining the core components of a discussion or debate. Ludwig indicates that it is frequently found in science, news media, and academic contexts, which implies a somewhat formal register. It is essential to remember, as highlighted in the writing guidance, that "main lines of argument" should refer to the overarching arguments themselves, not the granular details or specific evidence. Alternatives like "central arguments" and "key arguments" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central arguments

Focuses on the core points being made, instead of the structure of the argument.

key arguments

Highlights the most important arguments presented.

principal arguments

Emphasizes the foremost arguments.

core reasoning

Shifts the focus to the fundamental logic and reasoning employed.

primary reasoning

Highlights the most important aspects of the reasoning.

chief contentions

Refers to the main points of disagreement or debate.

major claims

Stresses the significant assertions being made.

essential points

Focuses on the most necessary or indispensable aspects of the discussion.

fundamental assertions

Indicates the basic and crucial statements made to support a position.

overarching themes

Points to the dominant and recurring ideas throughout the arguments.

FAQs

How can I use "main lines of argument" in a sentence?

You can use "main lines of argument" to describe the key points in a discussion or debate. For instance, "The "main lines of argument" presented by the defense focused on the defendant's alibi."

What are some alternatives to "main lines of argument"?

You could use alternatives such as "central arguments", "key arguments", or "principal arguments" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "main lines of argument" or "major points"?

While both phrases are valid, "main lines of argument" specifically refers to the overarching, structured arguments. "Major points" is more general and could refer to any significant detail or idea, not necessarily a structured argument.

How does "main lines of argument" differ from "supporting evidence"?

"Main lines of argument" refers to the overall reasoning and claims being made. "Supporting evidence" provides specific facts, data, or examples used to bolster those arguments. One is the structure, the other the building blocks.