make an argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an argument" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to presenting a case for something you believe. For example, "She made a convincing argument for why the project should be continued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You could make an argument.

The New Yorker

But you need to make an argument.

The New York Times

You could make an argument either way".

The New Yorker

You need to make an argument.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You could make an argument both ways," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The best Inaugural Addresses make an argument for something.

The New York Times

And they make an argument about America's responsibilities.

The Washington Post

Tankersley: Can you make an argument for that approach, strategically?

The Washington Post

A. You could make an argument for the Munsees.

The New York Times

Mrs Stewart, it takes two to make an argument.' Wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

You no longer need to make an argument.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "make an argument", ensure it is supported by credible evidence and logical reasoning.

Common error

Avoid "making an argument" without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support your claims. An unsupported argument is easily dismissed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an argument" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of presenting a reasoned case or viewpoint. It suggests a deliberate effort to persuade or convince someone of something, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make an argument" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to describe the act of presenting a reasoned case or viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. When you "make an argument", remember to support your claims with evidence and logical reasoning. Alternatives like "present a case" or "advance a thesis" may be appropriate depending on the specific context. Avoiding unsupported claims is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present a case

Focuses on formally outlining the reasons for a particular stance.

state your reasoning

Directly refers to expressing the logical thought behind a belief or action.

put forth a claim

Emphasizes stating a position or assertion, possibly debatable.

formulate a position

Highlights the process of developing a clear and reasoned stance.

advance a thesis

Implies a more formal and academic context, often involving research.

construct a rationale

Stresses the building or creating of logical reasoning to support an idea.

propose a theory

Implies a more scientific or philosophical context, involving a structured explanation.

develop an explanation

Focuses on providing reasons or clarification for something.

justify a decision

Centers on providing reasons why a particular choice was made.

offer a perspective

Suggests sharing a viewpoint or way of looking at something, possibly less confrontational.

FAQs

What does it mean to "make an argument"?

To "make an argument" means to present a case or viewpoint, usually with the intention of persuading someone to agree with you.

How can I "make an argument" effectively?

To "make an argument" effectively, you should present clear and concise points, support them with evidence, and address potential counterarguments. Consider exploring related concepts like "present a case".

What are some alternatives to "make an argument"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "advance a thesis", "offer a perspective", or "put forth a claim".

Is it better to "make an argument" or "state an opinion"?

Whether it's better to "make an argument" or "state an opinion" depends on the context. "Making an argument" implies a reasoned case with evidence, while "stating an opinion" is simply expressing a belief. To reinforce your point, it helps to "supply an argument".