Counterargument

How it is used

Argumentative essays and discussion sections often include a counterargument followed by a rebuttal. Writers acknowledge, address, consider or refute counterarguments. It is also written counter-argument, especially in British English.

Example sentences

1. A common counterargument is that online exams make cheating easier.

2. Your essay would be more convincing if you addressed at least one counterargument.

Common collocations

• address a counterargument
• consider counterarguments
• refute a counterargument
• anticipate counterarguments

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.
• stanceA writer's position or attitude toward a topic or claim, shown through word choice, use of evidence and how strongly ideas are expressed.
• evidenceFacts, data or findings that show whether a claim or idea is true or likely to be true.

More terms: Argument and Hedging

• hedging
• argue
• suggest
• to some extent
• it could be argued that
• acknowledge
• arguably
• tentative
• plausible
• tend to
• it is worth noting that
• assert