Claim vs. Argument — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 2, 2024
A claim is a statement asserting a fact or belief, often without support, whereas an argument presents a claim supported by evidence and reasoning.
Difference Between Claim and Argument
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Key Differences
A claim is a declaration made by someone, asserting that something is true. For instance, a person might claim that a certain diet leads to better health. This claim stands as a standalone statement that reflects an opinion or belief. On the other hand, an argument not only presents a claim but also backs it up with evidence and reasoning. For example, an argument for the same diet's efficacy would include scientific studies, statistics, and logical reasoning explaining why and how it leads to better health.
Claims often serve as the foundation for arguments. They are the statements that someone wishes to prove or disprove through an argument. A claim might be broad and general, lacking specificity or evidence on its own. Whereas, when constructing an argument, the speaker or writer goes beyond merely stating the claim by incorporating evidence, examples, and logical reasoning to persuade the audience of the claim's validity.
In the context of persuasion, a claim by itself may not be convincing because it lacks substantiation. It simply states a position without providing proof. Conversely, an argument seeks to persuade the audience by presenting a structured series of claims supported by evidence, making it more compelling and credible. The effectiveness of an argument largely depends on the quality and relevance of the evidence provided.
The development of an argument involves critical thinking and analytical skills to select and interpret evidence that supports the claim. This process includes anticipating and refuting counterarguments, thereby strengthening the original position. Meanwhile, making a claim does not necessarily involve this level of analysis or preparation; it can be an immediate, reflexive response to a situation or question.
Claims and arguments also differ in their purpose and usage across different fields. In legal contexts, a claim may refer to a demand for rights or entitlements, while an argument would refer to the series of logical and evidential supports presented to defend or oppose that claim. In academic writing, claims are assertions that writers must support with logical reasoning and evidence to form persuasive arguments.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A statement asserting something is true, often without support
A claim supported by evidence and reasoning
Primary Purpose
To assert a belief or fact
To persuade or prove a point through evidence and reasoning
Components
Single, standalone statement
Series of supported claims
Persuasiveness
Lower, due to lack of support
Higher, due to evidence and logical structure
Usage
Basis for arguments, discussions
Structured reasoning to convince or explain
Compare with Definitions
Claim
An assertion of a right to something.
The heirs made a claim to the estate.
Argument
A reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action, or theory.
She presented a compelling argument for changing the policy.
Claim
A declaration or assertion that something is the case.
He claimed that he had never seen the document before.
Argument
An exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one.
Their argument over the issue lasted hours.
Claim
To state or assert that something is the case, without providing evidence or proof.
She claimed to have traveled the world.
Argument
A coherent series of reasons, statements, or facts intended to support or establish a point of view.
The lawyer’s closing argument was persuasive.
Claim
A demand or request for something considered one's due.
The worker filed a claim for compensation.
Argument
A summary of the subject matter of a book, article, or research paper.
The argument of the thesis was well-structured and clear.
Claim
An assertion of the truth of something, typically one that is disputed.
The scientist made a bold claim about the new treatment's effectiveness.
Argument
A process of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood.
His argument was based on facts and logical deductions.
Claim
State or assert that something is the case, typically without providing evidence or proof
‘I'm entitled to be conceited,’ he claimed
Not every employee is eligible to claim unfair dismissal
The Prime Minister claimed that he was concerned about Third World debt
Argument
In logic and philosophy, an argument is a series of statements (in a natural language), called the premises or premisses (both spellings are acceptable), intended to determine the degree of truth of another statement, the conclusion. The logical form of an argument in a natural language can be represented in a symbolic formal language, and independently of natural language formally defined "arguments" can be made in math and computer science.
Claim
Formally request or demand; say that one owns or has earned (something)
If no one claims the items, they will become Crown property
Argument
An exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one
There was some argument about the decision
I've had an argument with my father
Heated arguments over public spending
Claim
Cause the loss of (someone's life)
The attacks claimed the lives of five people
Argument
A reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action or theory
He rejected the argument that keeping the facility would be costly
There is a strong argument for submitting a formal appeal
Claim
An assertion that something is true
He was dogged by the claim that he had CIA links
Argument
An independent variable associated with a function or proposition and determining its value. For example, in the expression y = F(x₁, x₂), the arguments of the function F are x₁ and x₂, and the value is y.
Claim
A demand or request for something considered one's due
The court had denied their claims to asylum
Argument
Any of the noun phrases in a clause that are related directly to the verb, typically the subject, direct object, and indirect object.
Claim
To demand, ask for, or take as one's own or one's due
Claim a reward.
Claim one's luggage at the airport carousel.
Argument
A summary of the subject matter of a book.
Claim
To take in a violent manner as if by right
A hurricane that claimed two lives.
Argument
A discussion in which the parties involved express disagreement with one another; a debate
Philosophical arguments over the nature of existence.
Claim
To state to be true, especially when open to question; assert or maintain
Claimed he had won the race.
A candidate claiming many supporters.
Argument
An angry discussion involving disagreement among the participants; a quarrel
The roommates had an argument about whose turn it was to wash the dishes.
Claim
To deserve or call for; require
Problems that claim her attention.
Argument
(Archaic) A reason or matter for dispute or contention
"sheath'd their swords for lack of argument" (Shakespeare).
Claim
A demand for something as rightful or due.
Argument
A course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood
Presented a strong argument for the arts in education.
Claim
A basis for demanding something; a title or right.
Argument
A fact or statement put forth as proof or evidence; a reason
The current low mortgage rates are an argument for buying a house now.
Claim
Something claimed in a formal or legal manner, especially a tract of public land staked out by a miner or homesteader.
Argument
A set of statements in which one follows logically as a conclusion from the others.
Claim
A demand for payment in accordance with an insurance policy or other formal arrangement.
Argument
A summary or short statement of the plot or subject of a literary work.
Claim
The sum of money demanded.
Argument
A topic; a subject
"You and love are still my argument" (Shakespeare).
Claim
A statement of something as a fact; an assertion of truth
Makes no claim to be a cure.
Argument
(Logic) The minor premise in a syllogism.
Claim
A demand of ownership made for something.
A claim of ownership
A claim of victory
Argument
The independent variable of a function.
Claim
The thing claimed.
Argument
The angle of a complex number measured from the positive horizontal axis.
Claim
The right or ground of demanding.
You don't have any claim on my time, since I'm no longer your employee.
Argument
(Computers) A value used to evaluate a procedure or subroutine.
Claim
A new statement of something one believes to be the truth, usually when the statement has yet to be verified or without valid evidence provided.
The company's share price dropped amid claims of accounting fraud.
Argument
(Linguistics) A word, phrase, or clause in a semantic relation with a word or phrase and that helps complete the meaning of that word or phrase, such as a noun phrase that is the object of a verb. The clause that we go is an argument of the verb suggest in the sentence I suggest that we go.
Claim
A demand of ownership for previously unowned land.
Miners had to stake their claims during the gold rush.
Argument
A fact or statement used to support a proposition; a reason.
Claim
(legal) A legal demand for compensation or damages.
Argument
A series of propositions organized so that the final proposition is a conclusion which is intended to follow logically from the preceding propositions, which function as premises.
Claim
To demand ownership of.
Argument
(countable) A process of reasoning; argumentation.
Claim
To state a new fact, typically without providing evidence to prove it is true.
Argument
(countable) An abstract or summary of the content of a literary work such as a book, a poem or a major section such as a chapter, included in the work before the content itself; (figuratively) the contents themselves.
Claim
To demand ownership or right to use for land.
Argument
(countable) A verbal dispute; a quarrel.
The neighbours got into an argument about the branches of the trees that extended over the fence.
Claim
(legal) To demand compensation or damages through the courts.
Argument
Any dispute, altercation, or collision.
Steve got in a physical argument with his neighbor and came away with a black eye.
While biking home, he got in an argument with the pavement.
Claim
(intransitive) To be entitled to anything; to deduce a right or title; to have a claim.
Argument
Any of the phrases that bears a syntactic connection to the verb of a clause.
Claim
To cause the loss of, usually by violent means.
The attacks claimed the lives of five people.
A fire claimed two homes.
Argument
The independent variable of a function.
Claim
(obsolete) To proclaim.
Argument
The phase of a complex number.
Claim
(archaic) To call or name.
Argument
A quantity on which the calculation of another quantity depends.
The altitude is the argument of the refraction.
Claim
To ask for, or seek to obtain, by virtue of authority, right, or supposed right; to challenge as a right; to demand as due.
Argument
A value, or a reference to a value, passed to a function.
Parameters are like labelled fillable blanks used to define a function whereas arguments are passed to a function when calling it, filling in those blanks.
Claim
To proclaim.
Argument
A parameter at a function call; an actual parameter, as opposed to a formal parameter.
Claim
To call or name.
Argument
A matter in question; a business in hand.
Claim
To assert; to maintain.
Argument
The subject matter of an artistic representation, discourse, or writing; a theme or topic.
Claim
To be entitled to anything; to deduce a right or title; to have a claim.
We must know how the first ruler, from whom any one claims, came by his authority.
Argument
Evidence, proof; (countable) an item of such evidence or proof.
Claim
A demand of a right or supposed right; a calling on another for something due or supposed to be due; an assertion of a right or fact.
Argument
To put forward as an argument; to argue.
Claim
A right to claim or demand something; a title to any debt, privilege, or other thing in possession of another; also, a title to anything which another should give or concede to, or confer on, the claimant.
Argument
To adduce evidence, to provide proof.
Claim
The thing claimed or demanded; that (as land) to which any one intends to establish a right; ; as, a settler's claim; a miner's claim.
Argument
Proof; evidence.
There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument of the existence of a Deity.
Why, then, is it made a badge of wit and an argument of parts for a man to commence atheist, and to cast off all belief of providence, all awe and reverence for religion?
Claim
A loud call.
Argument
A reason or reasons offered in proof, to induce belief, or convince the mind; reasoning expressed in words; as, an argument about, concerning, or regarding a proposition, for or in favor of it, or against it.
Claim
An assertion of a right (as to money or property);
His claim asked for damages
Argument
A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation.
The argument is about things, but names.
Claim
An assertion that something is true or factual;
His claim that he was innocent
Evidence contradicted the government's claims
Argument
The subject matter of a discourse, writing, or artistic representation; theme or topic; also, an abstract or summary, as of the contents of a book, chapter, poem.
You and love are still my argument.
The abstract or argument of the piece.
[Shields] with boastful argument portrayed.
Claim
Demand for something as rightful or due;
They struck in support of their claim for a shorter work day
Argument
Matter for question; business in hand.
Sheathed their swords for lack of argument.
Claim
An informal right to something;
His claim on her attentions
His title to fame
Argument
The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction.
Claim
An established or recognized right;
A strong legal claim to the property
He had no documents confirming his title to his father's estate
He staked his claim
Argument
The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends.
Claim
A demand especially in the phrase
The call of duty
Argument
To make an argument; to argue.
Claim
Assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing;
He claimed that he killed the burglar
Argument
A fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true;
It was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true
Claim
Demand as being one's due or property; assert one's right or title to;
He claimed his suitcases at the airline counter
Mr. Smith claims special tax exemptions because he is a foreign resident
Argument
A contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement;
They were involved in a violent argument
Claim
Ask for legally or make a legal claim to, as of debts, for example;
They claimed on the maximum allowable amount
Argument
A discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal;
The argument over foreign aid goes on and on
Claim
Lay claim to; as of an idea;
She took credit for the whole idea
Argument
A summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie;
The editor added the argument to the poem
Claim
Take as an undesirable consequence of some event or state of affairs;
The accident claimed three lives
The hard work took its toll on her
Argument
A variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable; if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable
Common Curiosities
Can a claim become an argument?
Yes, a claim can become an argument if it is supported by evidence and logical reasoning to substantiate its truth.
What makes an argument different from a claim?
An argument differs from a claim in that it not only presents a statement but also supports it with evidence and reasoning, making it more persuasive.
Why is evidence important in an argument?
Evidence is crucial in an argument as it provides the factual basis and support for the claims made, increasing the argument's persuasiveness and credibility.
What role do counterarguments play in an argument?
Counterarguments are crucial in an argument as they demonstrate the arguer's awareness of opposing viewpoints and strengthen the original argument by addressing and refuting them.
How does culture affect argumentation styles?
Cultural background can influence argumentation styles, including the types of evidence considered persuasive, the structure of arguments, and the manner of presenting them.
How can one improve their argumentation skills?
Improving argumentation skills involves practicing critical thinking, researching to gather reliable evidence, understanding logical fallacies, and learning to structure arguments coherently.
Can emotions be effective in an argument?
While arguments are based on logic and evidence, strategically used emotional appeals can enhance persuasiveness by resonating with the audience's values and feelings.
Is every claim valid?
Not every claim is valid; a claim's validity depends on its truthfulness and, when part of an argument, the strength of its supporting evidence.
Can an argument contain multiple claims?
Yes, an argument can contain multiple claims, each supported by evidence, to build a comprehensive and persuasive case.
How do you evaluate the strength of an argument?
The strength of an argument is evaluated based on the relevance, reliability, and sufficiency of its supporting evidence, as well as the logical coherence of its reasoning.
How does one refute an argument?
Refuting an argument involves presenting counter-evidence, pointing out logical fallacies, or demonstrating inconsistencies in the opponent's reasoning.
Are arguments always confrontational?
No, arguments are not always confrontational; they can be constructive and aimed at reaching a deeper understanding or agreement on a topic.
What are logical fallacies in arguments?
Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that weaken arguments, such as hasty generalizations, false dilemmas, or ad hominem attacks, among others.
What is the significance of the audience in argumentation?
The audience is significant in argumentation because understanding their perspectives, knowledge, and biases can help tailor the argument to be more effective and persuasive.
What is the difference between an argument in everyday life and in academic writing?
In everyday life, arguments can be informal and based on personal belief, whereas in academic writing, arguments are structured, based on research and evidence, and aim to meet scholarly standards.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
