tide of argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tide of argument" is not a standard expression in written English, but it can be understood in context.
You might use it when discussing a significant or overwhelming flow of debate or discourse on a particular issue. Example: "As the debate progressed, a tide of argument began to shift public opinion on the matter."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And, besides, he was then confident that the tide of argument would be running strongly for him by the time that Parliament was recalled.And so it seemed until the Iraqis' sudden, but largely predictable, volte-face over weapons inspection.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is true that, in the old sense of resolutions voted on, arguments on the conference floor, or speeches which turned the tide of an argument, not much happens.

The Guardian - Opinion

The tide of that argument will continue to ebb and flow.

The Economist

America's decision to impose tariffs on steel imports, including those from Europe, will encourage Europe's powerful anti-globalisation movement to believe that the tide of the argument is now turning its way.

The Economist

After Ms. Millett concluded, the tide of the argument, which had been running against the city, appeared to turn, as justices who had expressed strong doubts about the city's position now turned their skepticism on the lawyer for the other side.

The New York Times

Otherwise, why are we acting?" The tides of the argument shifted throughout the 90-minute session to a degree that left many in the courtroom audience almost disoriented.

The New York Times

End of argument.

Forbes

A summer of argument.

BBC

We have considered three families of argument: calibration arguments, accuracy arguments, and epistemic disutility arguments.

SEP

Updated at 9.21am BST 8.31am BST Another argument against Malala Our Comment is Free site carried another interesting argument yesterday as to why the seeming tide of opinion towards Malala Yousafzai might not be ideal.

The Guardian

But a tide of discontent with managed care evidently overwhelmed the arguments made by the industry, in a multimillion-dollar campaign of lobbying and advertising.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase 'tide of argument' to illustrate a significant shift or overwhelming force in a debate, especially when the momentum changes direction or intensity.

Common error

Avoid using 'tide of argument' to describe minor disagreements or discussions that lack a substantial shift in momentum or viewpoint. Reserve it for situations where the debate truly gains significant force or changes direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tide of argument" functions as a metaphorical noun phrase, depicting a shift in momentum or prevailing opinion within a debate. Ludwig's examples show it describing changes in political arguments, legal proceedings, and public opinion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tide of argument" is a metaphorical expression used to describe a significant shift or powerful momentum in a debate. While not exceptionally common, as indicated by Ludwig, it effectively conveys the idea of changing opinions or prevailing viewpoints. Ludwig's examples showcase its application in diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. The phrase is grammatically acceptable and serves to emphasize the dynamic nature of discussions, making it a valuable tool for writers aiming to illustrate evolving arguments. When using this phrase, focus on scenarios where a genuine shift in momentum occurs to maintain accuracy and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shift in the debate

Focuses on the change occurring within the debate itself, rather than a metaphorical force.

turning point in the discussion

Emphasizes a critical juncture where the direction of the discussion noticeably changes.

change in the line of reasoning

Highlights the alteration in the logical progression of the argument.

swing in the balance of opinion

Indicates a shift in the overall distribution of viewpoints on a topic.

evolution of the argument

Focuses on the gradual development and transformation of the argument over time.

progression of the debate

Highlights the forward movement and development of the debate.

dominant viewpoint

Highlights the prevalent perspective or belief within the argument.

prevailing consensus

Emphasizes the growing agreement and shared understanding in the discussion.

current of opinion

Uses a different metaphor to describe the flow and direction of shared views.

trajectory of the discussion

Emphasizes the path and direction the discussion is taking.

FAQs

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

You can use "tide of argument" to describe a noticeable shift in the momentum or direction of a debate. For example, 'As new evidence emerged, the "tide of argument" turned against the initial claims'.

What does "tide of argument" mean?

The phrase "tide of argument" refers to the growing strength or shifting direction of a debate, similar to how a tide in the ocean rises or changes direction. It suggests that the prevailing views or supporting evidence are changing.

Which is a better phrase, "tide of argument" or "flow of argument"?

Both "tide of argument" and "flow of argument" are valid phrases, but they have slightly different connotations. "Tide of argument" suggests a more powerful, shifting force, while "flow of argument" simply describes the progression of ideas in a discussion.

Are there any synonyms for "tide of argument"?

Yes, there are several synonyms for "tide of argument", including "shift in the debate", "turning point in the discussion", or "change in the line of reasoning". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.