which argues that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which argues that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing an opinion or perspective that is being presented in a piece of writing. For example: "John's essay presents an interesting argument, which argues that gender roles are a socially constructed phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I came away contemplating an article which argues that (somewhat paradoxically), in this dispute at least, it's possible to be on both sides of the debate.

Huffington Post

Michael Austin draws attention to an objection from autonomy, which argues that morality requires an agent to freely choose which principles they live by.

Wikipedia

He immediately bought Subsequent Performances, Miller's book, which argues that classics wither without directorial intervention.

The Guardian

He cites the group Californians for Population Stabliization, which argues that highway congestion is a result of overpopulation.

The Economist

Brill extols the recent documentary "Waiting for 'Superman,' " which argues that better teachers are the key to boosting achievement.

The New York Times - Books

An exception is the right-wing Canadian Alliance Party, which argues that Insite will simply encourage abuse.

The Economist

In a vote shareholders backed the board, which argues that disclosing the plan now would only help competitors.

The Economist

Wednesday's vote by Irish MPs drew criticism from Israel, which argues that recognition prejudices the outcome of peace negotiations.

The Guardian

This is unacceptable to the government, which argues that it would lead to a de facto division of Macedonia.

The New York Times

Fortress, which argues that the program has attracted more golfers to the county, has benefited from the arrangement.

The New York Times

Open Europe have published a new analysis paper, which argues that a centre-left coalition is the most likely.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which argues that", ensure that the 'which' refers clearly to the noun immediately preceding it. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid replacing "which" with "that" when using "which argues that" in nonrestrictive clauses (clauses that add extra information but aren't essential to the sentence's meaning). Using "that" in such cases can be grammatically incorrect and disrupt the flow of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which argues that" functions as a relative clause introducing a specific argument or viewpoint. It connects a noun phrase (often a study, book, or theory) to the core claim or position being presented. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which argues that" is a grammatically correct and very common relative clause used to introduce or summarize an argument or viewpoint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in writing. Primarily found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, this construction is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. Remember to use "which," not "that," in nonrestrictive clauses and consider using alternatives like "which asserts that" or "which contends that" to add nuance. Utilizing this phrase effectively enhances clarity and provides context to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which asserts that

This alternative suggests a strong and confident statement of belief or fact.

which contends that

Similar to argues, but implies a more deliberate and potentially debated point.

which maintains that

Suggests a sustained and consistent position over time.

which posits that

Presents the idea as a proposed explanation or theory.

which claims that

Implies the statement might be contested or require further proof.

which suggests that

Indicates a possibility or inference, rather than a direct assertion.

which proposes that

Introduces a plan, theory, or idea for consideration.

which indicates that

Focuses on evidence and its implications, rather than direct argumentation.

which implies that

The meaning is understood although not directly stated.

which shows that

Highlights evidence or data that supports a particular conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "which argues that" in a sentence?

Use "which argues that" to introduce a clause that presents an argument or a point of view related to a previously mentioned noun. For example, "The study, "which argues that" climate change is primarily caused by human activity, was widely debated."

What are some alternatives to "which argues that"?

You can use alternatives like "which asserts that", "which contends that", or "which claims that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "which argues that" or "that argues that"?

"Which argues that" is generally preferred in nonrestrictive clauses (those providing extra, non-essential information), while "that argues that" is used in restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning). However, in this case, "which" is almost always correct.

What's the difference between "which argues that" and "which suggests that"?

"Which argues that" implies a more direct and assertive presentation of a viewpoint, while "which suggests that" indicates a more tentative or indirect inference.