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Meaning & use

compelling argument

phrase·Academic

Last updated

UK/kəmˈpelɪŋ ˈɑːɡjəmənt/
US/kəmˈpelɪŋ ˈɑːrɡjəmənt/

Meanings

  1. phrasecountable

    a reason or set of reasons that is so strong and convincing that it makes people accept a belief or take action.

    Grammar: Countable: a compelling argument, compelling arguments. Often followed by 'for' or 'against' plus a noun or -ing form.

    Patterns

    • a compelling argument for something
    • a compelling argument against something
    • make a compelling argument
    • a compelling argument that + clause

    She made a compelling argument for changing the school start time.

    The lawyer presented a compelling argument that the evidence had been mishandled.

    There is a compelling argument against building the factory so close to the river.

  2. phrasecountable

    a case or reason that is so urgent or powerful that it forces a decision.

    Grammar: Often used after 'there is' to introduce a strong case: There is a compelling argument for acting now.

    Patterns

    • there is a compelling argument for doing something
    • a compelling argument for change
    • a compelling argument in favor of something

    There is a compelling argument for updating the safety rules immediately.

    The rising costs provide a compelling argument in favor of switching suppliers.

    Her report offered a compelling argument for investing in public transport.

Word forms

pluralcompelling arguments

Common combinations

make a compelling argument
The scientist made a compelling argument for protecting the wetlands.
a compelling argument for
He gave a compelling argument for raising the minimum wage.
a compelling argument against
They found a compelling argument against the new tax.
present a compelling argument
The student presented a compelling argument that the book was misunderstood.
a compelling argument in favor of
The data provides a compelling argument in favor of early treatment.

Synonyms and how they differ

convincing argument
Very close in meaning, but 'convincing' focuses on the effect of persuading someone, while 'compelling' stresses the force of the reasons themselves.
persuasive argument
Similar, but 'persuasive' often suggests skill in presentation, not just the strength of the facts.
strong case
A more general phrase; a 'strong case' may be built on evidence, while a 'compelling argument' is usually a spoken or written set of reasons.

Opposites

weak argumentunconvincing argument

Word family

compel verb
to force someone to do something or make something necessary.
compellingly adverb
in a way that strongly persuades or holds attention.
compulsion noun
a strong force or urge that makes someone act.

Commonly confused: compelling argument or compulsory?

compelling argument vs compulsory

'Compulsory' means required by a rule, while 'compelling' means very convincing or forceful.

Practice

Choose the best word to complete the sentence: The report offers a _____ argument for banning single-use plastics.

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