It could be argued that

How it is used

A classic hedging phrase in essays and discussion sections. It can introduce your own view politely or a view you will then answer. Variants: it can be argued that, it may be argued that, one could argue that.

Example sentences

1. It could be argued that the policy helped large schools more than small ones.

2. It could be argued that the sample is too narrow; however, the aim was depth rather than breadth.

Common collocations

• it can be argued that
• one could argue that
• it might be argued that
• it could also be argued that

Related terms

• hedgingUsing cautious language, such as may, might, appear to or suggest, so that a claim is only as strong as the evidence allows.
• argueTo state a position and give reasons and evidence to show why it is right; in academic writing it also reports what an author claims.
• counterargumentAn argument against your own position, which a writer presents fairly and then answers or weakens to make the main argument stronger.
• to some extentPartly but not completely; used to limit how strongly a claim is made.

More terms: Argument and Hedging

• argument
• evidence
• claim
• suggest
• stance
• acknowledge
• arguably
• tentative
• plausible
• tend to
• it is worth noting that
• assert