the very argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a specific argument or point being made, often in a context where that argument is central to the discussion. Example: "In the debate about climate change, the very argument that we need to reduce carbon emissions is often overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Defense lawyers had already laid out the very argument that could mean freedom for his client.

The New York Times

But this, of course, is the very argument that Judge Leon has sought to dismantle.

The New Yorker

Benn consistently contended that British national sovereignty was undermined by membership of the European Economic Community – the very argument now advanced by the EU's rightwing newspaper critics.

The Guardian

The answers to these questions may well undercut the very argument Terry has used to justify the decision to allow the Trump Organization to hold on to its lease.

The New Yorker

"Given the unique power of the state, it is not enough for leaders to say, Trust us, we won't abuse the data we collect," he said, unironically critiquing the very argument that he and his top officials have been making for months.

The New Yorker

"Sinn Fein's argument that Gerry Adams should not attend an inquiry as it may prejudice the forthcoming trial in Colombia is the very argument that elements in the British government have also put forward in an attempt to prevent any inquiry into Finucane case".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Ketika Nurani Bicara" wants to confront the very arguments used by extremists who recruit young men and it addresses the popular media directly.

The Economist

It would lead to incoherence, conflict, Balkanization of enforcement — the very arguments that I have heard thrown back at me by federal regulators who then saw me as challenging them in the securities context.

The New Yorker

With today's rapid and broad-based communications, with increasingly unrestricted balloting among citizens, and with broad-based literacy, the very arguments in favor of an Electoral College are seen no longer to apply.

The New York Times

From today's Minneapolis Star Tribune: Three judges soundly rejected Norm Coleman's attempt to reverse Al Franken's lead in the U.S. Senate election late Monday, sweeping away the Republican's claims in a blunt ruling Coleman promised to appeal......[E]xperts who read the panel's 68-page ruling say it effectively attacks some of the very arguments that Coleman would use on appeal.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is now impossible to read this Preface as anything but a trial run, so to speak, of his trial; indeed, these were the very arguments he fielded, initially with great success, in the dock against Edward Carson at the disastrous first libel trial of 1895.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very argument" to emphasize that a specific point is crucial to the discussion, especially when highlighting its direct relevance or importance.

Common error

Avoid using "the very argument" in casual conversations or informal writing. It's more suitable for formal debates, academic papers, or news articles where precision and emphasis are needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very argument" functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing a specific point or contention in a discussion. Ludwig AI suggests it's often used to highlight the direct relevance or importance of that particular argument, often in a formal or analytical setting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very argument" is a noun phrase used to emphasize a specific point in a discussion. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently used. It is best suited for formal and analytical contexts, as it carries a tone of significance and precision. When writing, make sure to use this phrase when you specifically want to highlight the direct relevance or importance of a particular argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that exact argument

Emphasizes precision and directness, focusing on the argument's accuracy.

the precise argument

Highlights the specific nature of the argument, implying a focus on details.

the selfsame argument

Indicates that the argument is identical to one previously mentioned or understood.

that identical argument

Suggests that the current argument is the same as another in all essential respects.

the core argument

Focuses on the central or most important aspect of the argument.

the central argument

Emphasizes the importance and position of the argument as the main point.

the key argument

Highlights the argument as being essential or crucial to the overall discussion.

the primary argument

Suggests the argument is the most important or fundamental among others.

the main contention

Refers to the principal point of disagreement or debate.

the principal argument

Highlights the argument as being the most significant or dominant one.

FAQs

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

You can use "the very argument" to emphasize a particular point in a discussion. For example: "The very argument for reducing carbon emissions is often overlooked in economic debates."

What are some alternatives to "the very argument"?

Alternatives include "the precise argument", "the core argument", or "the central argument" depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in emphasizing the argument.

Is it redundant to use "very" with "argument"?

While "very" intensifies the noun, in this phrase, it's used for emphasis. It isn't necessarily redundant if you intend to highlight the particular argument's significance, but consider if other alternatives like "the key argument" might be more concise.

When is it appropriate to use "the very argument"?

It's appropriate to use "the very argument" when you want to draw attention to a specific, often critical, point that is essential to understanding a situation or debate. It’s most suitable in formal and analytical contexts.