thread of argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thread of argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the logical progression or coherence of reasoning in a discussion or piece of writing. Example: "The author skillfully weaves a thread of argument throughout the essay, leading the reader to a compelling conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We tend occasionally to strain credulity and to spin the thread of argument so thin that we depart from the commonsense approach to an obvious fact situation.

Cornell University

Among others, John Locke made it a habit to lament the way Bibles came so elaborately subdivided, destroying the thread of argument or narrative and producing readers who remembered sentences rather than concepts.

The New Yorker

A main problem with academic writing is actually structuring, so you've got a clear thread of argument throughout the essay.

BBC

The main problem students have with writing is structuring – so make sure there's a clear thread of argument throughout your essay.

BBC

To ask ourselves this would be the logical consequence of the thread of argument we have pursued, but it is possible that, put in these terms, the question we are facing has not been posed properly.

City, Territory and Architecture

Believe it or not, this can help you trace out that thread of argument, chiefly by locating the place where the emphasis falls.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The dialectic between the two poles was dominant and, though intelligently mediated by the positions of the other individuals, the pillar of the whole discussion clearly had its foundations in the thread of arguments brought into the field by the counter-figures of the two masters.

City, Territory and Architecture

But efforts by federal prosecutors to prove Mr. Mitchell's competency, legal experts said, could face difficulties because of potentially conflicting threads of argument about his mental state.

The New York Times

Her many threads of argument include efforts to escape the binaries of high and low, professional and amateur.

University of Chicago

There are no cohesive threads of arguments, and every quote that raises an eyebrow gets repeated ad nauseum.

TechCrunch

He lost the thread of his argument.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thread of argument" to describe a clear and connected sequence of ideas, especially when analyzing complex texts or discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "thread of argument" when you simply mean the central idea or thesis. The phrase implies a sequential development of ideas, not just the main point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thread of argument" functions as a noun phrase that describes the logical progression or interconnectedness of ideas in a discussion or piece of writing. It is often used to analyze how an author or speaker develops their reasoning, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thread of argument" is a valid and useful expression in the English language, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe the logical progression and coherence of ideas within a discussion or written piece. Predominantly found in academic and news contexts, it highlights the analytical nature of dissecting complex reasoning. While alternatives like "line of reasoning" exist, "thread of argument" offers a unique metaphorical emphasis on interconnectedness. Remember to use it when analyzing the development of ideas, not just stating the central point. This analysis is based on a variety of reputable sources, suggesting its acceptance and utility in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

line of reasoning

Focuses on the logical sequence of thoughts rather than the interconnectedness implied by "thread".

chain of thought

Highlights the sequential nature of reasoning, similar to "thread" but less metaphorical.

train of thought

Emphasizes the flow and progression of ideas, differing slightly in imagery.

logical progression

Directly describes the sequential and logical development of an idea, lacking the metaphorical element.

stream of consciousness

Refers to a continuous flow of thoughts, potentially less structured than a "thread of argument".

narrative arc

Relates more to storytelling and plot development than logical argumentation.

core argument

Highlights the main point rather than the interconnected steps leading to it.

central thesis

Emphasizes the primary claim or proposition being presented, not necessarily the path to it.

underlying logic

Focuses on the foundational reasoning rather than the development of an argument.

intellectual trajectory

Describes a broader path of intellectual development, not specifically an argument.

FAQs

How can I use "thread of argument" in a sentence?

You can use "thread of argument" to describe the logical progression of reasoning in a discussion or piece of writing. For example: "The author skillfully weaves a "thread of argument" throughout the essay, leading the reader to a compelling conclusion."

What's a good alternative to "thread of argument"?

Alternatives include "line of reasoning", "chain of thought", or "logical progression" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "threads of argument" instead of "thread of argument"?

While "thread of argument" refers to a single, cohesive line of reasoning, "threads of argument" might suggest multiple interconnected lines of reasoning, or different aspects of an overall argument. The choice depends on whether you are describing one core argument or several related arguments.

What is the difference between "thread of argument" and "narrative arc"?

While both phrases imply a progression, "thread of argument" refers specifically to the logical development of an idea, whereas "narrative arc" relates to the structure and development of a story or plot.