Argue

How it is used

A key reporting verb: 'Smith (2018) argues that...'. It signals that the author is making a case, not just describing. Related reporting verbs include claim, contend, maintain and suggest, each with a slightly different strength.

Example sentences

1. Kaya (2020) argues that assessment should focus on the learning process.

2. In this chapter, I argue that the policy had unintended effects.

Common collocations

• argue that
• argue for
• argue against
• convincingly argue
• it has been argued

Related terms

• argumentA position supported by reasons and evidence, or the line of reasoning that runs through an essay, article or thesis.
• claimA statement that something is true, which may or may not yet be supported by enough evidence.
• it could be argued thatA cautious, impersonal way to introduce a point or interpretation without presenting it as a fixed personal opinion.
• stanceA writer's position or attitude toward a topic or claim, shown through word choice, use of evidence and how strongly ideas are expressed.

More terms: Argument and Hedging

• evidence
• hedging
• suggest
• to some extent
• counterargument
• acknowledge
• arguably
• tentative
• plausible
• tend to
• it is worth noting that
• assert