According to this argument

You will almost always find this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence. It sets the stage for the analysis that follows. Grammatically, it functions as an introductory prepositional phrase. You follow it with a comma, and then you drop your observation. For example: According to this argument, we should prioritize speed over safety. Notice how the phrase points back to something previously mentioned? That is the 'this' part doing the heavy lifting. You can’t just start a conversation with it out of the blue. It requires a context—a theory, a proposal, or a statement—that has already been laid out on the table. It’s like a bridge connecting what was just said to what you are about to analyze. You can also use it in the middle of a sentence if you’re feeling fancy, like: 'The conclusion, according to this argument, seems inevitable.' But sticking to the start is the safest bet for clarity. It’s a heavy-duty tool, so use it sparingly; if you use it in every sentence, you’ll sound like a robot trying to pass a philosophy exam.

This is a 'black-tie' phrase. It lives in the world of academic papers, legal briefs, high-level business strategy, and serious journalism. If you are writing a C2-level essay or taking an IELTS/TOEFL exam, this is your best friend. It shows the examiner that you can handle complex rhetorical structures. In a casual setting, like texting your friend about where to get tacos, it would sound incredibly weird and sarcastic. Imagine texting: According to this argument, the taco truck on 5th street is superior. Your friend would probably ask if you’re okay. It’s neutral in tone but high in formality. It doesn't carry emotional baggage like anger or joy; it carries the 'vibe' of a library or a courtroom. Use it when you want to sound authoritative, objective, and deeply analytical. It’s basically the 'adult in the room' of English phrases.

You’ll see this all over the place once you start looking. Think of a Netflix documentary where a historian is dissecting a failed military strategy. They might say, According to this argument, the invasion was doomed from the start. Or imagine a tech podcast discussing the ethics of AI. A guest might chime in with, According to this argument, the software is merely a tool, not a creator. It’s also very common in Reddit threads where users are debating lore from movies or games. If someone posts a theory about *Stranger Things*, a reply might start with, According to this argument, Eleven shouldn't have been able to close the gate. It’s a way to engage with the theory without fully committing to it. In the corporate world, you’ll hear it during strategy sessions: According to this argument, our Q4 projections are overly optimistic. It’s a polite way to point out a potential flaw without pointing a finger at a specific person. It focuses on the *logic*, not the *person*.

Use it when you are summarizing a point of view that isn't necessarily your own. It’s great for 'Steel-manning'—the practice of explaining someone else's argument as clearly and fairly as possible before you critique it. It’s also perfect for examining the logical limits of a theory. If a theory says 'A leads to B,' you can use the phrase to show that 'B leads to C.' For example: According to this argument, if we lower taxes, revenue should actually increase. It’s also useful in job interviews when you are asked to analyze a hypothetical scenario. It shows you have a structured mind. Use it when you want to be precise. Precision is the hallmark of a C2 speaker, and this phrase is a precision instrument. It tells the listener exactly what you are focusing on. If English were a video game, using this phrase correctly would be like hitting a 'critical hit' in a debate.

Do not use this for personal opinions or feelings. You wouldn't say, According to this argument, I am hungry. That makes it sound like your stomach is presenting a formal legal case to your brain. Also, avoid using it when the 'argument' isn't clearly defined. If no one has actually made a point yet, saying According to this argument will just confuse everyone. It’s also too heavy for small talk. If you’re at a party and someone says they like the music, don't reply with, According to this argument, we should stay on the dance floor. You will be left dancing alone. Finally, don't use it if you want to be seen as warm and fuzzy. It’s a cold, logical phrase. If you’re trying to comfort a friend who just went through a breakup, keep this phrase far, far away. Nobody wants a logical analysis of their broken heart.

The biggest mistake learners make is using According to me. That is a huge red flag! In English, we say In my opinion or I think. According to is reserved for external sources—other people, books, data, or 'arguments.' Another mistake is forgetting the 'this.' If you just say According to argument, it sounds broken and ungrammatical. You need that demonstrative pronoun (this) to point to the specific logic you’re discussing. Some people also mix up argument with opinion. An opinion is just a feeling; an argument is a structured set of reasons. If someone says 'I like blue,' that’s not an argument. If they say 'Blue is the best color for bedrooms because it lowers heart rate,' *that* is an argument.

• ✗ According to me, we should leave. → ✓ In my opinion, we should leave.
• ✗ According to this opinion, the economy is failing. → ✓ According to this argument, the economy is failing.
• ✗ According to argument, the plan works. → ✓ According to this argument, the plan works.

If you find yourself using According to this argument too much, you can swap it out for some equally sophisticated alternatives. Following this logic is a great one for when you want to show the next step in a sequence. Based on this premise is perfect for more philosophical or scientific discussions. If you want to sound a bit more skeptical, you could say If we accept this line of reasoning. For a more neutral vibe, try Under this framework. In a legal context, you might hear Pursuant to this logic. If you’re looking for something slightly shorter, By this logic works wonders in fast-paced debates. Each of these has a slightly different flavor, like different spices in a kitchen. According to this argument is the salt—essential and foundational. Following this logic is the chili flakes—it adds a bit of forward momentum and 'kick' to your point.

Is it the same as In my opinion? No, absolutely not. In my opinion shares what *you* think. According to this argument analyzes what *has been said* by someone else or a theory. Think of it as the difference between being the artist and being the art critic. Can I use it in an email? Yes, but only if it's a formal or professional one. It’s great for summarizing a client's request before you explain why it might be difficult to achieve. Does 'argument' always mean a fight? Not in this context! Here, it means a logical case or a set of reasons. You can have a perfectly peaceful 'argument' about the best way to bake a cake. Is it too formal for a blog post? It depends on the blog. If it’s a tech or philosophy blog, it’s perfect. If it’s a blog about cute kittens, it’s probably a bit much. Unless the kittens are debating the merits of various brands of yarn, of course.