What Does "for the sake of argument" Mean?
- Grammatical function: concession. It introduces a point or idea that the speaker may not agree with, but is willing to accept temporarily to advance a discussion or explore the consequences of that idea.
- Typical sentence position: Initial and medial. It's most commonly found at the beginning of a sentence or clause, but can also appear in the middle, often set off by commas.
- Register: Neutral. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more common in discussions and debates than in very formal writing.
How to Use It
- Syntactic patterns: Typically followed by a clause stating the assumption being made. Common patterns include "For the sake of argument, let's say...", "For the sake of argument, assume...", or "We accept, for the sake of argument, that...". It can precede the main clause or be inserted within it.
- Punctuation rules: When used at the beginning of a sentence, it's followed by a comma. When used mid-sentence, it's usually set off by commas before and after.
- Grammatical flexibility: It can generally start a sentence and be moved within the sentence, though the initial position is most common. It cannot be negated directly, but the assumption it introduces can be negated.
- What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using it to introduce a genuine reason or justification, rather than a hypothetical scenario, sounds unnatural. It's also incorrect to use it to express agreement with a statement.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from for the sake of argument on Ludwig.guru.
"But let's grant that assumption for the sake of argument." — Yale University
"For the sake of argument, I will concede the point." — The New York Times
"Assume, for the sake of argument, that this is correct." — The Guardian - Business
"For the sake of argument, let's say three hours per year, which I suspect is excessive." — Princeton University
"But for the sake of argument, let's say there is some value in past performance." — The New York Times
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/for+the+sake+of+argument
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| let's assume |
Direct and common way to introduce a hypothetical situation. |
| suppose that |
More formal and often used in academic or mathematical contexts. |
| for the purpose of discussion |
More verbose and formal alternative, emphasizing the intention. |
| granting that |
Implies a temporary acceptance of a point, often followed by a counter-argument. |
| assuming that |
A straightforward way to introduce a condition or premise. |
| say that |
Informal way to introduce a hypothetical scenario. |
| imagine that |
Good for thought experiments or exploring possibilities. |
Common Mistakes
- Using it to introduce a genuine reason or justification, rather than a hypothetical scenario for the purpose of argument.
- Omitting the comma after "for the sake of argument" when it begins a sentence.
- Confusing it with phrases that express agreement or support for a statement.
- Learners often misuse the phrase by applying it to situations where they are genuinely seeking a reason or justification, rather than introducing a hypothetical scenario for discussion.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| for the sake of argument |
Introduces a hypothetical assumption for discussion |
Neutral |
Initial or Medial |
FAQs
Where in a sentence can "for the sake of argument" appear?
For the sake of argument typically appears at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. However, it can also be placed mid-sentence, usually set off by commas, to emphasize the hypothetical nature of the point being made.
How does "for the sake of argument" differ from "in fact"?
"For the sake of argument" introduces something that may not be true, but is being considered hypothetically. "In fact," on the other hand, introduces something that is true, often to correct a previous statement or provide evidence.
I want to understand the reasoning behind a decision. Is "for the sake of argument" appropriate?
No, for the sake of argument is not appropriate in that situation. It's used to introduce a hypothetical scenario for discussion, not to ask for or provide a genuine justification. You should use phrases like "What's the reasoning behind...?" or "Why was this decision made?" instead.