overall argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overall argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when summarizing the main point or thesis of a discussion, essay, or debate. Example: "In conclusion, the overall argument presented in the paper highlights the importance of sustainable practices in modern agriculture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The overall argument doesn't change," however, she said.

The New York Times

Dr. Smalley responded that chemistry was even more limited and did not change his overall argument.

The New York Times - Science

But I'm not sure about the validity of his overall argument.

The Guardian

To work well, stories must be in harmony with, and contributing to, your overall argument.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are reasons to be wary not just of the Canadian experience, but of the prime minister's overall argument.

The Guardian

A spokesman for General Electric, Mark L. Behan, characterized the ruling as dismissing Mr. Spitzer's overall argument about the canal.

The New York Times

Our reviewer deems that his prescriptions can occasionally seem "obvious," but that his overall argument is "enthralling".

The New Yorker

There were a couple of supportive statements in Monty's favour, but there was precious little understanding of his overall argument.

The Guardian

To be fair, Hussey's overall argument is that "France's Arabs", as he calls them, collectively suffer from a psychological trauma.

The Guardian - Books

I also tell students that they're being graded holistically, not for small, individual errors, but for the strength of their overall argument.

The New York Times

The result is a work that is as informative and engaging in its details as it is compelling in its overall argument.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing complex texts, identify the "overall argument" early to guide your understanding and critique.

Common error

Avoid presenting a minor or tangential point as the "overall argument". Ensure it genuinely represents the core message and is consistently supported throughout your work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overall argument" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the primary claim or thesis being presented in a discussion, essay, or other form of communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for summarising the main point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "overall argument" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to denote the central thesis or claim in a discussion or text. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its versatility is evident through its application across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and general writing. While alternatives like "main argument" and "central thesis" exist, "overall argument" provides a clear and encompassing way to express the core message. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately represents the primary point and aligns with the supporting evidence to maintain clarity and coherence in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main argument

Focuses on the primary or central point being made.

central argument

Highlights the core or fundamental point of contention.

primary thesis

Emphasizes the main proposition or statement being defended.

chief contention

Underscores the principal point of disagreement or debate.

core thesis

Focuses on the essential or most important thesis.

general thesis

Refers to the broad or encompassing thesis.

underlying argument

Highlights the foundational or fundamental argument.

overarching theme

Shifts focus to the dominant or prevailing theme.

comprehensive argument

Emphasizes the thorough or inclusive nature of the argument.

prevailing viewpoint

Indicates the dominant or most accepted perspective.

FAQs

How to use "overall argument" in a sentence?

You can use "overall argument" to summarize the main point of a discussion or text. For example, "The "overall argument" of the book is that social media has a significant impact on political discourse".

What can I say instead of "overall argument"?

You can use alternatives like "main argument", "central thesis", or "chief contention", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "overall argument" or "main argument"?

Both "overall argument" and "main argument" are correct and often interchangeable. However, "overall argument" may imply a more encompassing view, while "main argument" focuses on the primary point.

What's the difference between "overall argument" and "overarching theme"?

"Overall argument" refers to the central claim or thesis being presented, while "overarching theme" describes the dominant subject or recurring idea that runs throughout a work. They are related but distinct concepts.