In 15 Seconds
- Academic way to state a thesis.
- Avoids using 'I' or 'me'.
- Uses the paper as the speaker.
- Indicates a formal, evidence-based claim.
Meaning
This is the classic 'Academic Flex.' It is how scholars and serious writers avoid saying 'I think' while sounding like they have a mountain of evidence. It shifts the focus from the author to the work itself, giving it an air of objective authority and professional weight.
Key Examples
3 of 10Writing a university thesis abstract
The present paper argues that social media consumption directly correlates with decreased attention spans in teenagers.
This paper argues that social media use is linked to shorter attention spans in teens.
Submitting a research proposal to a board
The present paper argues that urban green spaces are essential for mental health in high-density cities.
This paper argues that city parks are vital for mental health in crowded cities.
Writing a serious LinkedIn article about AI
The present paper argues that AI should be viewed as a tool for augmentation rather than replacement.
This article argues that AI should be a tool to help us, not replace us.
Cultural Background
The phrase stems from the 20th-century push for 'scientific objectivity' in the West. Scholars wanted to distance their personal biases from their findings, leading to the 'death of the author' in academic prose. By making the paper the actor (personification), writers suggest that the logic is independent of the person who typed it. This reflects a cultural value of prioritizing data and rationalism over individual emotion.
The 'Author Escape' Hack
Use this phrase to avoid using 'I' or 'We'. It makes your writing look objective and scientifically rigorous, which professors love.
The Tense Trap
Never use the past tense ('argued') for this phrase. The paper is a living document; it is 'arguing' whenever someone reads it today.
In 15 Seconds
- Academic way to state a thesis.
- Avoids using 'I' or 'me'.
- Uses the paper as the speaker.
- Indicates a formal, evidence-based claim.
What It Means
Ever felt like using I in an essay makes you sound like a high schooler writing a diary entry? You are not alone. Academic writing has this weird rule where you have to pretend you don't exist. Instead of saying 'I believe chocolate is better than vanilla,' you say The present paper argues that chocolate is superior. It's like wearing a suit for your sentences. This phrase is the golden key to sounding like a C1-level expert who knows exactly what they are talking about.
What It Means
At its heart, this phrase is just a fancy way of introducing your main point. It is the 'thesis statement' starter pack. When you say The present paper argues that, you are telling the reader, 'Stop scrolling and listen, because here is the big idea I am going to prove.' The word present doesn't mean a gift; it means 'this one right here.' The word argues doesn't mean a loud fight at a dinner table. It means 'claims with evidence.' It’s the vibe of a TED Talk but in written form. You are moving away from personal opinion and toward a structured, logical claim. It says your ideas are so strong the paper is doing the talking for you. It’s the ultimate move for objective authority.
How To Use It
You usually drop this bomb in your introduction or your abstract. Think of it as the 'hook' after the 'context.' First, you talk about the world. Then, you use this phrase to narrow down to your specific point. It’s like a camera zooming in from a wide shot to a close-up. You follow the phrase with a full clause—a subject and a verb. For example: The present paper argues that remote work increases productivity. Note that we use the present tense argues because the paper is alive as long as someone is reading it. Even if you wrote it in 2022, it's still 'arguing' today. It’s like a ghost that never stops debating. Just make sure the point following it is actually something people could disagree with. If you argue that 'water is wet,' you might lose your audience.
Formality & Register
This phrase is about as formal as a tuxedo at a royal wedding. It sits firmly in the 'Academic' and 'Professional' category. You will see it in university essays, scientific journals, and high-level business white papers. You would *never* use this in a WhatsApp message to your mom. Imagine texting: 'The present message argues that we should have pizza for dinner.' She would probably check if your account was hacked by a robot. However, you might see a version of this in a very serious LinkedIn post or a Substack newsletter where the author wants to sound authoritative. It tells the reader: 'I have done my homework.' It’s the opposite of 'I feel like' or 'In my opinion.' It’s for when you want to be taken seriously by professors or CEOs.
Real-Life Examples
You’ll find this phrase everywhere in the wild—if 'the wild' is a library or a PDF. Check out a Google Scholar search for any topic, and you’ll see it in the first three sentences of most abstracts. It’s also common in 'Explainer' style YouTube scripts where the narrator wants to sound like an expert. If you’re writing a Medium article about the future of AI, using this phrase helps you stand out from the millions of 'I think AI is cool' posts. It shows you have a structure. Even in a high-stakes job interview, if you've written a proposal, you might say, 'In my report, I argue that...' which is a spoken cousin of our phrase. It builds a bridge between your brain and the reader's logic.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to hide your 'I.' Many professors actually penalize you for using first-person pronouns like I or me. This phrase is your escape hatch. It's perfect for the second or third paragraph of an introduction. Use it when you have a clear, debatable point. If your paper is just a summary, don't use it. Use it when you want to sound like a native-level academic. It's also great for cover letters if you are referring to a portfolio or a project description. 'The present portfolio argues that my design skills are industry-leading.' It sounds confident without being 'braggy.' It’s the 'quiet luxury' of English grammar.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it in casual settings. Seriously, don't. Using this in a Tinder bio would be a disaster: 'The present profile argues that I am the best date you'll ever have.' You'll be single forever. Also, avoid using it more than once in the same paper. It’s a 'one-shot' phrase. If you use it in every section, you’ll sound like a broken record player from the 1920s. Don't use it if you aren't actually arguing anything. If you're just describing how a toaster works, you're not 'arguing.' You're just 'explaining.' Lastly, don't use it if you are writing a creative story or a poem. It will kill the mood faster than a math test at a party.
Common Mistakes
Learners often stumble by adding extra words or using the wrong tense.
✗ The present paper is arguing that... → This sounds too temporary. Use the simple present.
✓ The present paper argues that...
✗ In the present paper, it argues that... → The paper is the subject! You don't need 'it.'
✓ The present paper argues that...
✗ The present paper argues about... → This sounds like the paper is having a fight with a topic.
✓ The present paper argues that... followed by your claim.
Another mistake is forgetting the word present. If you just say The paper argues that, it’s okay, but it lacks that C1-level polish. It’s like wearing a suit but forgetting the tie.
Common Variations
If you want to spice things up, you can swap a few words. Instead of argues, you could use contends, asserts, maintains, or proposes. Each has a slightly different flavor. Contends sounds like you’re ready for a fight. Proposes sounds like a gentle suggestion. The current study suggests that is a very common cousin in the science world. In more modern, 'edgy' academic circles, you might even see This essay explores how... which is a bit softer. If you're feeling very old-school, you might see It is the contention of this paper that... but honestly, that’s a bit much for most readers today. Stick to the classic for the best results.
Real Conversations
Speaker A: 'I'm struggling with the intro to my thesis. I keep saying "I think" and it sounds weak.'
Speaker B: 'Just use The present paper argues that. It sounds way more professional.'
Speaker A: 'Isn't that a bit too formal?'
Speaker B: 'Not for a PhD! It’s basically the secret password for getting published.'
Speaker C: 'Did you see that new research on coffee?'
Speaker D: 'Yeah, the abstract says The present paper argues that three cups a day might actually make you live longer.'
Speaker C: 'Finally, an academic argument I can get behind!'
Quick FAQ
Is it okay to use I instead? Some modern journals allow it, but The present paper argues remains the safest bet for high grades and professional respect. It avoids the 'ego' trap. Can I use it in a blog? Only if it's a very serious, long-form blog. For a 'top 10 travel tips' post, it would be weird. Does present mean 'current'? Yes, exactly. It's like saying 'the paper you are holding right now.' It’s the linguistic equivalent of 'You are here' on a map.
Usage Notes
This phrase is the gold standard for academic introductions. Always use the simple present 'argues' and ensure you follow it with a debatable claim, not just a simple fact. It's too formal for social media or casual emails.
The 'Author Escape' Hack
Use this phrase to avoid using 'I' or 'We'. It makes your writing look objective and scientifically rigorous, which professors love.
The Tense Trap
Never use the past tense ('argued') for this phrase. The paper is a living document; it is 'arguing' whenever someone reads it today.
Western Academic Values
In English academia, 'objectivity' is king. Using the paper as the subject suggests your ideas are based on logic, not personal feelings.
Don't Overdo It
Only use this phrase once in your introduction. If you repeat it, you'll sound like a robot. Mix it up with other variations like 'This study shows' later on.
Examples
10The present paper argues that social media consumption directly correlates with decreased attention spans in teenagers.
This paper argues that social media use is linked to shorter attention spans in teens.
A classic thesis statement. Notice the use of 'correlates' to sound even more formal.
The present paper argues that urban green spaces are essential for mental health in high-density cities.
This paper argues that city parks are vital for mental health in crowded cities.
Used to establish the core 'argument' of the proposal early on.
The present paper argues that AI should be viewed as a tool for augmentation rather than replacement.
This article argues that AI should be a tool to help us, not replace us.
Adds a layer of professional authority to a social media 'thought leader' post.
The present paper argues that we should all be eating more fermented foods for gut health.
The paper says we should eat more fermented food for our health.
Reporting what an article said. Even in speech, it sounds quite educated.
The present paper argues that your dirty dishes have become a sovereign nation with their own laws.
This 'report' claims your dishes are now their own country.
Using hyper-formal language for a silly situation creates a funny contrast.
The present paper argues that grief is not a mountain to climb, but a forest to learn to live in.
This essay argues that grief is something we live with, not something we get over.
Formal structure used to convey a deep, philosophical point.
The present paper argues that 80s synth-pop was actually a reaction to the political climate of the time.
This video argues that 80s music was a response to politics.
Helps the narrator sound like a scholar of pop culture.
In my report, the present paper argues that we need to pivot our strategy toward the Asian market.
My report argues that we should focus on the Asian market.
Refers to a physical document to support a verbal claim.
✗ The present paper was arguing that... → ✓ The present paper argues that remote work is the future.
✗ The paper was arguing... → ✓ The paper argues...
Always use the simple present tense for academic claims; the paper is 'always' arguing.
✗ In the present paper, it argues that... → ✓ The present paper argues that tax reforms are necessary.
✗ In the paper, it argues... → ✓ The paper argues...
Don't use 'it'—the paper itself is the subject doing the arguing.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to make the sentence formal.
In academic writing, we use the simple present tense because the claim in the paper is considered 'evergreen'.
Find and fix the error in this formal sentence.
You don't need 'In' or 'it'. The paper itself is the subject that 'argues'.
Choose the most appropriate phrase for an academic abstract.
Which sentence is most suitable for a PhD thesis?
The phrase 'The present paper argues that' followed by a formal term like 'bacterial resistance' is the standard for high-level academic work.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum: Stating an Opinion
Texting a friend
I think that...
Standard blog post
This article shows that...
Business report
This report suggests that...
Academic Thesis
The present paper argues that...
Where to use 'The present paper argues that'
University Thesis
In the Abstract section.
Academic Journal
Introducing the core claim.
Research Proposal
Stating the project goal.
Medium Article
For a serious, long-form essay.
Conference Talk
Summarizing your slides.
Thesis Starters Compared
Common Academic Verbs to Swap
Strong Claims
- • argues
- • contends
- • maintains
Gentle Suggestions
- • proposes
- • suggests
- • posits
Evidence-Based
- • demonstrates
- • illustrates
- • shows
Practice Bank
3 exercisesThe present paper ___ that renewable energy is the best solution.
In academic writing, we use the simple present tense because the claim in the paper is considered 'evergreen'.
Find and fix the mistake:
In the present paper, it argues that inflation will continue to rise.
You don't need 'In' or 'it'. The paper itself is the subject that 'argues'.
Which sentence is most suitable for a PhD thesis?
The phrase 'The present paper argues that' followed by a formal term like 'bacterial resistance' is the standard for high-level academic work.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 questionsIn this context, 'present' is an adjective meaning 'current' or 'this one'. It refers specifically to the document the reader is currently looking at, distinguishing it from other papers you might have written.
Yes, 'This paper argues that' is a perfectly acceptable and very common alternative. 'The present paper argues that' is just slightly more formal and is often preferred in high-level academic journals.
Usually, no. It is far too formal for a standard email. However, if you are attaching a formal report and want to summarize its main point in a very professional way, you might use it there.
This is a grammatical error called a 'redundant subject'. In English, the 'paper' is the one doing the arguing, so you don't need the word 'it'. Just say 'The paper argues'.
You can easily swap the word! You can say 'The present essay argues that' or 'The present study argues that'. Choose the word that best describes your actual document.
The best place is in your introduction, usually right after you've provided some background information. It acts as the 'thesis statement' that tells the reader exactly what to expect in the rest of the text.
It is used globally in all forms of academic English. Whether you are in London, New York, or Sydney, this is a standard expression for formal research and essay writing.
Technically, no. An 'argument' implies a claim that someone could disagree with. If you are just summarizing facts, you should use 'The present paper describes' or 'The present paper summarizes' instead.
You still use 'The present paper argues that'. The number of authors doesn't change the phrase because the 'paper' is the subject, not the writers. It stays singular and formal.
Absolutely. While some modern fields are becoming more open to using 'I', 'The present paper argues' remains the industry standard for professional academic publications and student essays.
You can, but 'argues' is generally preferred. 'Claims' can sometimes imply that the point is unproven or even doubtful. 'Argues' sounds more like a structured, evidence-based position.
You should follow it with a complete clause, meaning a subject and a verb. For example: '...argues that [remote work] [increases] productivity.' Don't use a fragment or a list of nouns.
Both! It is equally common in a chemistry report as it is in a literature essay. It is a universal tool across all academic disciplines for establishing a thesis.
You can use the future tense if you are writing a proposal for a paper you haven't finished yet. However, for a finished essay, the present tense 'argues' is much more common.
The vibe is one of 'cool authority'. It feels objective, intellectual, and serious. It tells the reader that you are a professional who values logic and evidence over personal feelings.
Only if you are referring to a specific document you've included, like a portfolio. 'The present portfolio argues that my experience is a perfect fit.' Otherwise, it's too formal for general letter writing.
Yes, 'This paper argues that' is the shorter, slightly less formal version. It's very common and carries almost the same weight as the longer version.
Yes, always. It never refers to a paper written by someone else. If you are talking about someone else's work, you would say 'Smith (2020) argues that...' or 'That paper argues that'.
It is better to say 'In this presentation, I will argue that' or 'My research shows that'. Using the full 'The present paper argues' sounds a bit stiff when spoken out loud.
Yes, using this correctly demonstrates that you understand the nuances of academic register and professional 'authorial persona', which are key requirements for the C1 and C2 levels of English.
Related Phrases
This study suggests that
related topicA more cautious way to state a finding in scientific research.
It is used in similar contexts but indicates that the evidence points to a conclusion rather than firmly arguing for it.
It is argued that
formal versionA passive construction used to distance the writer even further.
This is even more detached than 'The present paper argues' because it doesn't even name the paper as the actor.
I contend that
informal versionA more personal, direct way of stating a strong opinion.
It uses the first person 'I' which is less formal than using the paper as the subject.
The current essay posits that
synonymA synonym using 'posits' to suggest a theory or assumption.
It swaps 'argues' for 'posits' which is another high-level academic verb for introducing a claim.
Contrary to popular belief
related topicA phrase used to introduce an argument that goes against common ideas.
This often precedes 'The present paper argues that' when you are trying to prove something surprising.
