you can argue whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"you can argue whether" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing a choice of two possibilities for someone to consider. For example, "You can argue whether it is better to invest in stocks or bonds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"You can argue whether the BBC is too lenient.

The Guardian

You can argue whether politics belongs in our business, but I couldn't imagine being on the same stage.

The Guardian - Music

"You can argue whether Israel should have dropped people on to that ship or not," Biden said.

The Guardian

"You can argue whether you think it's subtle or not," he said, "but it certainly allows for less commercial signage because it's set back from the window significantly".

The New York Times

You can argue whether orchestras are doing this out of financial desperation, or whether they are simply adapting to the needs of a changing society.

The New Yorker

"You can argue whether companies are performing better because they have more women in management or because better companies employ more women," Natella says.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

You can argue about whether or not the IEA numbers are realistic or whether they overstate the adoption, although with every major high-tech company falling all over itself with an Internet of things (IoT) strategies there's bound to be a residual impact.

Forbes

Even though you can argue about whether those shows should have been brought back, and about whether or not fans' fixation on complete stories is all that healthy or realistic (I've enjoyed plenty of books, movies and shows despite ambiguous or cliffhanger-y endings), today's announcement that Sense8 will get a two-hour finale feels like a very welcome gesture.

TechCrunch

You can argue about whether this actually works, but the idea is a good one.

Harvard University

Hockey: You can argue about whether it's broken promises or not; that's your call.

The Guardian

"You can argue about whether it's a stimulus package or an investment policy or just supporting growth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "you can argue whether", ensure the context provides a clear 'pro' and 'con' or alternative perspectives for a balanced discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "you can argue whether" to introduce something you believe to be definitively true. This phrase should present a genuine debate, not a veiled assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you can argue whether" functions as a discourse marker, introducing a topic open to discussion or debate. It sets the stage for presenting different perspectives, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "you can argue whether" is a grammatically correct phrase that introduces a debatable topic, inviting consideration of multiple perspectives. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used, particularly in news and media, where balanced reporting is crucial. Related phrases include "it is debatable whether" and "one could debate if", which offer similar but slightly more formal options. When employing this phrase, ensure a balanced presentation of different perspectives, avoiding stating personal opinions as facts. The phrase is common and versatile, making it a valuable tool for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is debatable whether

Emphasizes the uncertainty and openness to debate surrounding a topic.

one could debate if

Suggests a more formal and academic tone for introducing a point of contention.

it's open to debate whether

Highlights that there is no definitive answer and different viewpoints are valid.

it remains to be seen whether

Focuses on the uncertainty of a future outcome, framing it as a question.

it is a matter of opinion whether

Directly states that the issue is subjective and based on personal beliefs.

one might question whether

Suggests a critical examination of an assumption or statement.

it is questionable if

Raises doubts about the validity or truthfulness of something.

there's room for discussion if

Indicates that a topic is suitable for conversation and exchange of ideas.

consider whether

Invites reflection on a particular aspect, leaving space for individual analysis.

ponder whether

Encourages deeper contemplation, implying that the issue requires careful consideration.

FAQs

How do I use "you can argue whether" in a sentence?

Use "you can argue whether" to introduce a point where reasonable people might disagree. For example, "You can argue whether pineapple belongs on pizza, but it remains a popular topping."

What's a more formal way to say "you can argue whether"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it is debatable whether" or "one could debate if".

Is it correct to use "you can argue if" instead of "you can argue whether"?

While understandable, "you can argue whether" is grammatically preferred when presenting two or more possibilities. "If" is generally used for conditional clauses.

How does "you can argue whether" differ from "it is clear that"?

"You can argue whether" introduces a topic open to debate, whereas "it is clear that" asserts a statement as fact, leaving no room for argument.