this argument is refuted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this argument is refuted" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to indicate that a particular argument has been disproven or shown to be invalid. For example, "In the debate, it was shown that this argument is refuted by the evidence presented." Alternative expressions include "this argument is disproven" and "this argument is invalidated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This argument is refuted by two known examples of prokaryotic cells living within other prokaryotes [ 32, 33]--plainly it is possible, even if extremely uncommon.

Biology Direct

This argument is refuted by the fact that these differences were of no statistical significance and, on the contrary, fasting patients (who suffered more cardiovascular events) were younger and had less baseline cardiovascular disease than the nonfasting controls (Table  1).

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

That argument is refuted by the experience of the District, which scrapped money bail for most defendants years ago.

The Washington Post

These points have to be addressed and refuted or else the Open Letter's argument is refuted before delivered.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Paul Krugman, the left-leaning Nobel laureate, argued that the supply-side argument was refuted by a basic fact: job growth has been higher under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama than under George W. Bush.

The New Yorker

Many of these arguments are refuted in 10 myths about fossil fuel divestment put to the sword.

The Guardian

But at no time have our mathematical and empirical arguments been refuted or even seriously challenged.

The New York Times

But James Bamford, an expert on U.S. intelligence and the author of two books considered primers on the NSA, said the Justice Department's arguments are refuted by Congress's clear intent in 1978 to block warrantless surveillance and by its lack of intent to suggest such surveillance in October 2001.

The Washington Post

Clarke failed to take a number of Collins' arguments seriously, because the free will arguments being refuted were not his arguments.

SEP

All his arguments were refuted and he was blamed for the failure of the expedition.

Wikipedia

Galbraith's arguments were refuted to the satisfaction of most historians by Dorothy Whitelock in Genuine Asser, in 1967.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this argument is refuted", ensure the context clearly indicates how the argument was refuted (e.g., by evidence, logic, or counter-argument). Specificity strengthens your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "this argument is refuted" without offering supporting evidence or explanation. Simply stating that an argument is refuted without demonstrating how weakens your position and undermines your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this argument is refuted" functions as a declarative statement. It asserts that a specific argument has been disproven or shown to be invalid. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this argument is refuted" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, though relatively rare in occurrence. As Ludwig AI explains, it's employed to declare that an argument has been successfully disproven, often requiring supporting evidence for greater impact. Found across various contexts such as science, news, and academia, its register ranges from neutral to formal. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "this claim is debunked" or "this reasoning is invalidated" to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this claim is debunked

Replaces "argument" with "claim" and "refuted" with "debunked", suggesting a more thorough or public discrediting.

this reasoning is invalidated

Substitutes "argument" with "reasoning" and "refuted" with "invalidated", implying that the logic behind the argument is flawed.

this point is disproven

Uses "point" instead of "argument" and "disproven" instead of "refuted", conveying a straightforward negation of a specific idea.

this theory is discredited

Replaces "argument" with "theory" and "refuted" with "discredited", indicating a loss of credibility within a field of study.

this contention is overturned

Employs "contention" in place of "argument" and "overturned" instead of "refuted", suggesting that the argument has been reversed or nullified.

the fallacy of this argument has been demonstrated

This alternative is more emphatic and clearly articulates that the error in reasoning has been illustrated to others.

the flaws in this argument have been exposed

This alternative emphasizes the shortcomings or defects of the reasoning have been revealed or brought to light.

this stance is untenable

This implies that the position is impossible to maintain or defend due to logical or factual inconsistencies.

this proposition is negated

Emphasizes that the suggestion has been nullified or proven false.

the merit of this argument is illusory

This indicates that the reasoning seems initially appealing but ultimately lacks substance or validity.

FAQs

What does it mean when an argument is refuted?

When an argument is refuted, it means it has been proven wrong or shown to be invalid through evidence or logical reasoning. Essentially, it has been successfully disproven.

How can I use "this argument is refuted" in a sentence?

You can use it to indicate that a particular claim has been disproven. For example, "After careful analysis, "this argument is refuted" by the experimental data."

What can I say instead of "this argument is refuted"?

You can use alternatives like "this claim is debunked", "this reasoning is invalidated", or "this point is disproven" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "this argument is refuted" or "this argument has been refuted"?

Both are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and flow of your sentence. "This argument has been refuted" might sound slightly more formal.