slightest argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightest argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a very minor or insignificant point of contention or disagreement. Example: "I don't think there is the slightest argument that we should proceed with the project as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And, once the one opening was dashed violently from his grasp, the end came with a finality that brooked not the slightest argument.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then there was a very slight argument – or so I thought – with the head of another enterprise in which I was involved.

The Guardian - Opinion

Someone from Adele's people was not let inside so there were a slight argument and I used that situation, where the security guys were busy with them, to get on the red carpet.

Vice

(Ignore the slight circularity of this argument).

Independent

There is an argument, however slight, that the two best characters in Die Hard are Richard Thornburg and Harry Ellis.

The Guardian - Film

Granted, there is a slight crimp in the argument when you consider that James McAvoy wouldn't be out of nappies.

The Guardian - Film

In fact Lord Patten said: "I take slight exception to the argument that I hardly watch television, it is true you don't find me in front of Eastenders".

The Guardian

Elizabeth Hanly Rice, without so much as a flicker of the eye, can let you feel Andrea's pleasure in recognizing a weakness in someone or a slight opening in an argument that she can exploit.

The New York Times

(You could say these things about the Kings as well, with slight modifications at the argument's margins; their goalie, the Connecticut kid Jonathan Quick, got lit up a few times by the Hawks, but he is as capable as Henrik Lundqvist of playing lights-out).

The New Yorker

Notice that a slight variant of this argument (see for instance Sect. 14.2) leads to establish that x is a Lebesgue point of D u in the usual sense.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

A slight firm tilt.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightest argument" to downplay the significance of a disagreement or to indicate that there is virtually no basis for debate. For example: "There isn't the "slightest argument" that the project should be delayed."

Common error

Avoid using "slightest argument" when the disagreement is actually substantial or involves significant consequences. Using it in such cases can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightest argument" functions as a noun phrase, where "slightest" modifies the noun "argument". It is used to qualify or characterize the degree of an argument, indicating it is minimal or nonexistent. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightest argument" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that serves to minimize the significance of a disagreement or highlight the lack of a valid counter-argument. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. Related phrases, such as "weakest argument" or "smallest point of contention", offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the context aligns with the intended message of minimal or nonexistent contention. It is essential to avoid overstating the disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightest disagreement

A direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of substantial agreement.

slightest dispute

Replaces "argument" with "dispute", indicating a formal or informal disagreement.

minor disagreement

Indicates a disagreement of little consequence or significance.

weakest argument

Emphasizes the lack of strength or persuasiveness in the argument itself.

least argument

Focuses on the minimal quantity or degree of argumentation involved.

smallest point of contention

Highlights the diminutive scale of the disagreement or dispute.

faintest hint of disagreement

Implies a subtle or barely perceptible level of disagreement.

minimal debate

Underscores the limited scope and intensity of the discussion.

negligible conflict

Suggests the conflict is so small as to be almost non-existent.

trivial contention

Emphasizes the insignificance of the point of contention or argument.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightest argument" to indicate a very minor or nonexistent point of contention. For example, "There isn't the "slightest argument" against improving our customer service."

What's a good alternative to "slightest argument"?

Alternatives include "weakest argument", "least argument", or "smallest point of contention", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "slightest argument" formal or informal?

"Slightest argument" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What does it mean when someone says, "There isn't the slightest argument"?

It means there is virtually no reason or basis to disagree with a particular point or course of action. It implies that the matter is clear and undisputed.