thrust of the argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"thrust of the argument" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the main point or idea that is being conveyed in an argument or discussion. It can be used in various contexts, such as in academic writing, debates, or legal cases. Example: The thrust of the argument presented by the defense was that the accused was acting in self-defense and should therefore be acquitted of all charges.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

If the thrust of the argument is that we collaborated to create misleading medical reports, that is disappointing".

The Guardian

I have since done a bit more number crunching.The thrust of the argument in yesterday's post stands: recent productivity growth isn't that bad, and is certainly better than Mr Gordon's estimates, until one gets to 2014.

The Economist

He will join briefs for groups of law professors if he trusts their organizer or author, cares about the issue and agrees with "the overall thrust of the argument".

The New York Times

Few now dispute the central thrust of the argument advanced by the rating agency that the economy of the euro zone is deteriorating so rapidly that quick and far-reaching action is required to avert disaster.

The New York Times

Often with a complex piece, getting across the thrust of the argument in a few words can be our most challenging task, and sometimes readers will disagree with our decision.

The Guardian - Opinion

Second, prayer, and third, the careful study of the full text, including the context in which it was written, the whole thrust of the argument, and what other parts of the Bible say about the matter in hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In doing so, the court accepted the thrust of the arguments by the defendants' lawyers (and by Mr. Rogers, who filed a friend of the court brief on behalf of The Washington Post), ruling that public officials could win damages only if they showed that a libelous statement had been made "with actual malice" or reckless disregard of the truth.

The New York Times

While the thrust of this argument echoes the approach of McDonnell's predecessor-but-one Ed Balls, who blamed austerity for the flatlining of the economy after 2010, today's shadow Treasury team believes the notion of false economies chimes more closely with families' everyday experience.

The Guardian

In this year's Wincott Lecture, delivered in London last week, David Henderson, distinguished academic, former chief economist of the OECD and noted liberal, agreed with the basic thrust of this argument but extended or modified it in several interesting ways.Mr Henderson pointed out, first, that the backlash is both older and newer than you might think.

The Economist

But history is on the side of the thrust of the Optimists' argument.

The Guardian

The thrust of the Ryan argument is that whenever the plant may have closed, it has yet to re-open under Obama, and is therefore a symbol of a failed recovery.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing complex texts, first isolate the "thrust of the argument" before delving into supporting details. This provides a framework for understanding the author's overall position.

Common error

Avoid mistaking tangential points for the "thrust of the argument". Ensure you're focusing on the central, overarching claim, not minor supporting evidence or counterarguments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thrust of the argument" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It pinpoints the central concept or main point being asserted. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's commonly used in various contexts to denote the primary idea conveyed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thrust of the argument" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to the main point or core idea in a discussion or text. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal settings. While alternatives like "gist of the argument" or "essence of the argument" exist, this phrase is particularly effective for clearly identifying the central claim being made. Remember to focus on the overarching claim rather than minor details when trying to determine the thrust of an argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gist of the argument

Focuses on the overall essence and condensed version of the argument.

Core of the argument

Highlights the most essential and central part of the argument.

Essence of the argument

Emphasizes the fundamental nature and intrinsic quality of the argument.

Main point of the argument

Directly indicates the primary idea being presented.

Central theme of the argument

Highlights the recurring and unifying idea in the argument.

Crux of the argument

Singles out the decisive point that the argument hinges on.

Underlying thesis of the argument

Emphasizes the foundational statement that the argument seeks to prove.

Burden of the argument

Highlights what must be proven to make the argument valid.

Substance of the argument

Focuses on the solid, meaningful content of the argument.

Dominant idea of the argument

Points to the most powerful and influential concept in the argument.

FAQs

How can I use "thrust of the argument" in a sentence?

You can use "thrust of the argument" to identify the main point being presented. For example, "The thrust of her argument was that increased funding would improve educational outcomes."

What's a good way to identify the "thrust of the argument" in a text?

Look for the central claim or thesis statement. This is often explicitly stated, but sometimes you need to infer it from the overall message.

What can I say instead of "thrust of the argument"?

You can use alternatives like "gist of the argument", "essence of the argument", or "main point of the argument" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "thrust of the argument" in formal writing?

Yes, "thrust of the argument" is suitable for formal writing, including academic papers, legal briefs, and business reports. It clearly and professionally conveys the core message.