A position is a claim you defend
A position, claim or thesis answers the question What exactly am I asserting? It should be specific enough for a reader to agree or disagree. A topic such as remote work is not yet a position; Hybrid work should remain available for suitable roles expresses a claim.
I would argue that… and It can be argued that… help identify a claim and present it in a measured way. They do not automatically make an opinion true: the reader still needs support for the position.
I would argue that / It can be argued that + a complete clause stating the claim
- clause —
- A construction with a verb, often with its own subject: when I arrived. A non-finite clause may leave the subject unspoken: to get home.
I would argue that public libraries remain essential community services.
I would argue that public libraries remain essential community services.
The opening explicitly marks a position, while the that-clause states the claim that needs to be supported.
It can be argued that flexible start times improve access to education.
It can be argued that flexible start times improve access to education.
The impersonal opening shifts attention from the author to the argument. This is a stylistic choice, not a guarantee of objectivity.
The frame One key argument in favour of…
One key argument in favour of + noun/-ing + is + noun phrase or that-clause identifies one strong reason for a proposal. In favour requires the preposition of, followed by a noun, gerund or pronoun phrase.
This frame introduces a reason why the position may be sound. A reason is not necessarily evidence: a claim about an advantage may still need data, observations or a source.
One key argument in favour of + noun or -ing form + is + noun phrase or that-clause
- V-ing / -ing —
- The verb form ending in -ing: working, going. Its role depends on the construction.
- NP / noun phrase —
- A noun phrase: a noun with its dependent words, such as the new student; the pattern treats it as one group of words.
- noun —
- A word naming a person, thing or idea: student, book, happiness.
- clause —
- A construction with a verb, often with its own subject: when I arrived. A non-finite clause may leave the subject unspoken: to get home.
One key argument in favour of expanding cycle lanes is that they can make short journeys safer.
One key argument in favour of expanding cycle lanes is that they can make short journeys safer.
Of is followed by expanding; is is followed by a that-clause stating the reason.
One key argument in favour of the proposal is its relatively low cost.
One key argument in favour of the proposal is its relatively low cost.
A noun phrase can follow is; a that-clause is not compulsory.
Reasons, evidence, examples and the logical link
A reason explains why a position is sound. Evidence supplies verifiable support: data, observations or a properly identified source. An example illustrates a particular case, which does not always prove a general claim on its own. Numbers in this lesson’s examples are hypothetical and illustrate argument structure only.
A warrant, or link, explains exactly how the evidence supports the position. Useful frames include This evidence supports the view that…; This matters because…; and These findings suggest that…. Without this link, readers may see the data but not understand their relevance.
position → reason → evidence or example → explanation of the connection
A council survey found that 64% of respondents would use later buses. This evidence supports the view that extended services would meet an existing need.
A council survey found that 64% of respondents would use later buses. This evidence supports the view that extended services would meet an existing need.
The first sentence supplies data; the second explains how they relate to the position.
For example, one local school cut food waste after introducing smaller portions.
For example, one local school cut food waste after introducing smaller portions.
This is a specific illustration. It does not by itself prove that every school would obtain the same result.
Formal register without false prohibitions
I think, because and for example are grammatical and natural. I think often suits conversation and less formal writing; because directly introduces a reason; for example marks an illustration. They do not become errors merely because more academic alternatives exist.
In a formal task, I would argue that… may signal a defended position more precisely, while evidence introduced through a named source may make its basis clearer. Obviously, everyone knows and always can sound unjustifiably categorical. A grammatical sentence using them should be assessed for its tone or weaker justification, rather than labelled a grammar error.
I think the plan could work.
I think the plan could work.
A grammatical, natural sentence. In a formal essay, the writer may choose a more precise way to introduce the position.
I would argue that the plan merits a six-month trial because the projected cost is limited.
I would argue that the plan merits a six-month trial because the projected cost is limited.
The opening marks the position, and the because-clause supplies a relevant reason. Because is entirely appropriate here.
Sufficient evidence and limits on generalization
The strength of the wording should match the support. A small local survey may justify a cautious conclusion about that group, but not a universal claim about everyone. With limited data, use may, could, appears to or suggests, and qualifications such as in this sample or in similar contexts.
Weak or irrelevant evidence does not necessarily create a grammatical error; it creates a problem in the argument. When checking your work, ask separately whether the evidence addresses the exact claim, whether it supports the scope of the conclusion, and whether the logical connection is explained.
In this survey, 58% of participants preferred a later deadline, suggesting that the change may benefit this group.
In this survey, 58% of participants preferred a later deadline, suggesting that the change may benefit this group.
In this survey and may limit the conclusion to match the scope of the evidence.
One successful pilot illustrates the proposal’s potential, but broader evidence is needed before a national claim can be made.
One successful pilot illustrates the proposal’s potential, but broader evidence is needed before a national claim can be made.
The example serves as an illustration, not automatic proof of a universal effect.
Paragraph coherence
Readers can follow an argument more easily when the position appears near the start of a unit of meaning and the following sentences develop that same position. The reason, evidence and warrant should share key concepts or use clear pronoun references.
Position → reason → evidence → warrant is a useful checking plan, not the only correct template for every paragraph. Evidence may precede the claim, several reasons may occupy separate paragraphs, and a short text may combine stages.
I would argue that the city should retain weekend library hours. One reason is that many residents work during the week. Attendance records show that Saturday visits account for a third of weekly use. These figures indicate that weekend access serves a substantial group.
I would argue that the city should retain weekend library hours. One reason is that many residents work during the week. Attendance records show that Saturday visits account for a third of weekly use. These figures indicate that weekend access serves a substantial group.
Each sentence develops the same position, and the final sentence interprets the data’s relevance.
The pilot reduced waiting times by 12%. On this basis, it can be argued that a wider trial is justified.
The pilot reduced waiting times by 12%. On this basis, it can be argued that a wider trial is justified.
Here the evidence precedes the position. On this basis still makes the logical progression clear.
Applying it in your own writing and speaking
Before answering, formulate one specific position. Then choose at least one reason, relevant support and a sentence explaining the connection. If the evidence is limited, narrow the conclusion rather than making the tone stronger.
In discussion, you can do this more briefly: state the position, reason and supporting basis, then explain their connection. Explicitly labelled invented data are acceptable in an imaginary learning situation. In a real report or argument, use verified data and identify the source.
I would argue that meeting agendas should be shared in advance. This would allow participants to prepare, and our last three teams reported shorter meetings after adopting the practice.
I would argue that meeting agendas should be shared in advance. This would allow participants to prepare, and our last three teams reported shorter meetings after adopting the practice.
The position, reason and local observation provide compact support in speech or writing.
These examples do not prove that the policy will work everywhere, but they suggest that a larger trial is worth considering.
These examples do not prove that the policy will work everywhere, but they suggest that a larger trial is worth considering.
The speaker acknowledges the limits of the evidence while still drawing a practical conclusion.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:I would argue that flexible schedules improves staff retention.
Correct:I would argue that flexible schedules improve staff retention.
The subject flexible schedules is plural, so use improve without -s.
Incorrect:One key argument in favour public childcare is wider access to work.
Correct:One key argument in favour of public childcare is wider access to work.
Do not omit of from the fixed prepositional phrase in favour of.
Incorrect:The survey of 500 residents show strong support for the change.
Correct:The survey of 500 residents shows strong support for the change.
The head of the subject, survey, is singular. Residents belongs to a prepositional phrase and does not control verb agreement.
Incorrect:These findings suggests that a longer trial is justified.
Correct:These findings suggest that a longer trial is justified.
The subject findings is plural, so use suggest.