Writing Book 7 · Lesson 39
Talking about ideas — bring the words back
These phrases tell a reader what you are about to do with an idea — so the reader must then find you doing it.
The words
it could be argued
someone might say
a compelling case
a strong argument
to a certain extent
partly
counter-argument
the other side
in light of this
given this
Watch how it is built
1it could be argued means about the same as someone might say.
It could be argued that cost matters more.
2this suggests means about the same as this hints.
This suggests a link between the two.
3on the one hand means about the same as one side.
On the one hand, the method is cheap.
Two ways to say it
✗ It could be argued that cost matters more. — this is not wrong, but it is everyday talk.
✓ It could be argued that cost matters more. — this is how a writer says it.
Ask yourself: “Does what follows actually do what this phrase promised?”
Remember
It could be argued, this suggests, on the one hand, nevertheless.
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