substantial argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a point or claim that is well-supported by evidence or reasoning. Example: "The researcher presented a substantial argument for the effectiveness of the new treatment based on extensive clinical trials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A more substantial argument has to be had at the level of principle.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's a substantial argument, but not necessarily a winner," Little said.

The New York Times - Sports

The more substantial argument against quantitative easing is that purchases of securities would be ineffectual, given Europe's bank-based financial system.

The Guardian - Business

I had mentioned both as being part of "the most substantial argument against running the story," but that reference was relegated to the bottom of my column.

The New York Times

Scott vigorously defends his profession against Gabler's most extreme rhetorical sallies, but, perhaps distracted by those extremes, misses Gabler's more substantial argument.

The New Yorker

For me, the most substantial argument against running the story was the acknowledgment that the Swift program was letter-of-the-law legal, had helped catch some terrorists and had a clean record on privacy abuse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The contest is more alive and substantial arguments have a better chance of winning the day.

The Guardian - Opinion

Democrats need to gather their strength, and Mr. Spitzer needs to help them marshal the substantial arguments for this cause.

The New York Times

Ms. Seitz acknowledged that the question was "novel" and that there were "substantial arguments" in support of the opposing view.

The New York Times

Beneath such extravagant rage and rhetoric lie substantial arguments about a society's most profound issues: rule of law, national service, the very nature of citizenship.

The New York Times - Books

There are also substantial arguments over the neutrality of the entire concept of collecting sexually active popes – whether historically confirmed or not.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial argument" when you want to convey that a point is well-supported by facts, reasoning, or evidence. It's particularly effective in academic, legal, or formal contexts.

Common error

While "substantial argument" is correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "good point" or "solid reason" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial argument" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "argument". It describes an argument that is considerable in importance, size, or worth. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

27%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial argument" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that highlights the significance and validity of a particular claim. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, signaling its adaptability across various registers. While "substantial argument" conveys considerable weight to an idea, it's crucial to avoid overusing it in informal settings, opting for simpler language to maintain a natural tone. Related phrases, such as "compelling rationale" or "strong justification", provide alternate ways to express a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compelling rationale

Emphasizes the convincing nature of the reasoning.

strong justification

Highlights the solid basis for a particular action or decision.

cogent reasoning

Focuses on the clarity and persuasiveness of the thought process.

weighty contention

Indicates the significant importance of the point being made.

considerable evidence

Shifts focus to the amount of proof supporting a claim.

significant assertion

Highlights the importance or impact of the statement made.

solid grounds

Emphasizes the firm foundation upon which an argument is built.

valid premise

Focuses on the correctness and logical soundness of the foundational assumption.

persuasive case

Highlights the ability of the argument to convince someone.

convincing defense

Focuses on how well the argument protects a position from criticism.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial argument" to describe a well-reasoned and supported point, such as: "The lawyer presented a "substantial argument" for their client's innocence based on DNA evidence."

What are some alternatives to "substantial argument"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "strong argument", "compelling case", or "convincing rationale" as alternatives to "substantial argument".

Is it better to say "substantial argument" or "significant argument"?

While both are grammatically correct, ""substantial argument"" often implies a more thorough and well-supported reasoning than "significant argument", which simply suggests importance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "substantial argument"?

The phrase "substantial argument" is appropriate in formal settings, academic writing, legal documents, or any situation where you need to emphasize the weight and validity of a particular point or claim.