the argument that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the argument that" is a valid phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement in which an argument is being presented or referenced. For example, "The argument that the tax increase was necessary was disputed by many experts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that was the argument that was used against them".

The New York Times

In combination, these ecological functions support the argument that scattered trees are keystone structures.

Biological Conservation

α is the argument that represents the weighted average rank difference taken in the criteria.

BioMed Research International

It was the argument that torpedoed Westway.

The New York Times - Arts

The argument that it does is straightforward.

The New Yorker

That helps the argument that we can take risks".

The New York Times

That's not the argument that we're coming up with.

The New York Times

Aidoo rejected the argument that Western education emancipates African women.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now consider the argument that our problems are mainly structural.

The New York Times

You could make the argument that shredding falls into either".

The New York Times

You could make the argument that there are some costs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the argument that" to introduce a specific claim or viewpoint you intend to discuss or refute. Ensure the statement that follows is clear and concise.

Common error

Avoid using excessive passive voice in the statement following "the argument that". This can make your writing unclear and less impactful. Instead of "The argument that action should be taken was made by many", try "The argument that action should be taken was supported by many."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the argument that" functions as a discourse marker or syntactic introducer. It prefaces a clause presenting a specific viewpoint, claim, or proposition that is under discussion or consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the argument that" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for introducing claims or viewpoints. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is a standard element of written English. Its frequency across diverse sources, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias, attests to its versatility. When writing, ensure that the statement following the phrase is clear and well-supported. Alternatives like "the contention that" or "the claim that" offer similar, though nuanced, options. Remembering to avoid overuse of passive voice will help maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the claim that

A more general and neutral way to introduce a statement as a point of discussion.

the contention that

Emphasizes the disputable nature of the claim being introduced.

the idea that

Presents the claim as a concept or thought.

the assertion that

Highlights the confident and forceful declaration of the claim.

the theory that

Specifies the claim as part of a theoretical framework or explanation.

the premise that

Introduces a foundational assumption upon which an argument is built.

the proposition that

Suggests a more formal and structured presentation of the idea.

the belief that

Indicates the claim is held as a matter of conviction or faith.

the hypothesis that

Frames the claim as a testable statement in a scientific or analytical context.

the notion that

Implies the claim might be speculative or not fully supported.

FAQs

How can I use "the argument that" in a sentence?

Use "the argument that" to introduce a specific claim or viewpoint being presented. For example, "The argument that climate change is real is supported by scientific evidence."

What are some alternatives to using "the argument that"?

You can use alternatives like "the claim that", "the assertion that", or "the contention that" to introduce a claim or viewpoint.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the argument that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the argument that" as long as it's followed by a complete clause expressing the argument or claim.

What's the difference between "the argument that" and "the fact that"?

"The argument that" introduces a claim that may be debated, while "the fact that" introduces something presented as undeniably true. For example, "The argument that taxes should be raised is controversial" versus "The fact that taxes were raised is undeniable."