secondary argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"secondary argument" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It can be used to refer to any argument which is lesser in importance than an original argument. For example, "John made a compelling primary argument for why we should invest in the new project, but his secondary argument didn't hold much weight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

As in the past, the judge seemed unpersuaded by the plaintiffs' secondary argument that the health care act violated state sovereignty by imposing a vast expansion of Medicaid eligibility, also slated for 2014.

The New York Times

Otherwise, the economy would be out of equilibrium forever, which is not how economies work (in most economic models, anyway).The secondary argument is empirical: it used to be the case that interest rates were high and so were inflation rates.

The Economist

That's the secondary argument Fathom makes about its cruises: that the company is directing tourists' money into local communities and organizations that otherwise wouldn't get it.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

To bolster their case, each side has marshalled secondary arguments: that the pipeline would enhance America's energy security by displacing imports from unfriendly places, in the case of the pros, and that it would imperil a huge aquifer in Nebraska, for the cons.In this section Crying wolf Keystone cop-out We will frack you The efficiency conundrum Sunshine or colonoscopy?

The Economist

All the tasks cover secondary arguments (i.e. Site/Location arguments) for certain event types and also modifications (i.e. negation and speculation).

Bioinformatics

> -wrap-foot> GE09/11 defined three tasks: Task 1 required the identification of core arguments (Theme and Cause), Task 2 was concerned with finding secondary arguments, and Task 3 required the detection of modifications on Task 1 events.

Bioinformatics

EPI and ID defined both a core task (the same as Task 1 in GE09/11), and a full task, which additionally required modifications and secondary arguments to be found.

Bioinformatics

We apply the primary matching criteria defined in the task, which otherwise require event structures to be identical but include the approximate span and approximate recursive relaxations to exact match: the former allows small variation in predicted event trigger spans and the latter permits differences in the secondary arguments of recursive event structures for matches.

Bioinformatics

There's no shortage of those tonight but they're secondary to an argument Brand is making about heroes and values and the vapidity of how we live now.

The Guardian

It's popular history, which is a sort of journalism about the past: the story and the characters are the key elements, and the argument is secondary.

The New Yorker

Talking of social standing, undercook Daisy had an intellectual awakening thanks to Miss Bunting and made an eloquant - if clunky - argument for secondary education for all.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "secondary argument", clearly signal its role to the reader. Use phrases like "In addition to this...", "Another point to consider...", or "While not the primary focus..." to guide the reader.

Common error

Avoid including arguments that do not directly support the main claim, even if they seem interesting. A "secondary argument" should still be relevant and contribute to the overall persuasiveness of your position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secondary argument" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an object or complement within a sentence. It refers to an additional or less important point used to support a main claim. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secondary argument" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a supporting point that is less critical than the main argument. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable term. While it appears less frequently than other similar phrases, it is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When employing "secondary argument" in writing, ensure it directly supports the primary claim and is clearly signaled to the reader as an additional consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supporting argument

Emphasizes the role of the argument in providing additional support.

additional argument

Highlights that the argument is supplementary to the main point.

subsidiary argument

Indicates the argument is of lesser importance or subordinate.

minor argument

Directly states the argument's reduced significance.

lesser argument

Similar to minor argument, emphasizing reduced importance.

ancillary argument

Implies the argument is helpful but not essential.

supplemental argument

Highlights the argument as providing extra information.

peripheral argument

Suggests the argument is not central to the main idea.

incidental argument

Indicates the argument is casual or not a main focus.

side argument

Implies the argument is related but separate from the primary concern.

FAQs

How can I use "secondary argument" in a sentence?

You can use "secondary argument" to introduce a supporting point that reinforces your main claim but is not as critical. For example, "While the primary reason for the policy change is economic, a "secondary argument" involves environmental benefits."

What are some alternatives to using "secondary argument"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "supporting argument", "additional argument", or "subsidiary argument". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the supporting point.

Is it better to have strong primary arguments or numerous weaker secondary arguments?

It is generally more effective to have strong primary arguments. While secondary arguments can add depth, they should not overshadow or detract from the main points. Focus on quality over quantity.

How do I differentiate a "secondary argument" from a main argument?

A "secondary argument" supports the primary argument but isn't central to the overall conclusion. It often addresses related concerns or provides additional justification without being the core reason for a stance.