C1 Expression Muy formal 2 min de lectura

The present paper argues that

Academic essay writing expression

Use this phrase to introduce your main argument in formal academic essays to sound objective and authoritative.

En 15 segundos

  • A formal way to state your essay's main argument or thesis.
  • Used in academic writing to sound objective and professional.
  • Replaces 'I think' with a more authoritative, third-person perspective.

Significado

This is a fancy way to say 'In this essay, I am going to prove that.' It introduces the main point or 'thesis' of a formal piece of writing.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Writing a university history essay

The present paper argues that the industrial revolution was fueled by specific colonial trade routes.

This essay will prove that the industrial revolution was powered by colonial trade.

💼
2

Submitting a medical research abstract

The present paper argues that early intervention significantly improves patient outcomes in chronic cases.

This study shows that helping patients early leads to much better results.

💼
3

Mocking a friend's overly serious tone

The present paper argues that you have been late to our coffee dates three times this week.

I am officially pointing out that you are always late.

😄
🌍

Contexto cultural

This phrase reflects the Western academic tradition of 'authorial invisibility,' where the writer avoids personal pronouns to appear more objective. It became the standard in the 20th century as scientific and social research became more standardized. While some modern professors now allow the use of 'I,' this phrase remains the safest bet for high-level formal submissions.

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The 'Present' Secret

In this context, 'present' doesn't mean a gift. It means 'the one you are looking at right now.' It's a way to distinguish your work from other papers you might cite.

⚠️

Don't Repeat It

Use this phrase only once in your introduction. If you keep saying 'the paper argues' in every paragraph, your writing will feel repetitive and robotic.

En 15 segundos

  • A formal way to state your essay's main argument or thesis.
  • Used in academic writing to sound objective and professional.
  • Replaces 'I think' with a more authoritative, third-person perspective.

What It Means

This phrase is the ultimate power move in academic writing. It tells your reader exactly what you plan to prove. Instead of saying 'I think,' you let the paper speak for itself. It sounds objective, confident, and very professional. It acts like a roadmap for your entire argument.

How To Use It

You usually place this in your introductory paragraph. It often comes right after you explain the general topic. Follow the word that with your main claim or discovery. Keep the sentence focused and clear. Don't pack too many ideas into this one sentence. It needs to be the strongest line in your intro.

When To Use It

Use this when you are writing for a university professor. It is perfect for research journals or formal business whitepapers. If you want to sound like an expert, this is your go-to phrase. It works best in the introduction or the abstract of your work. It sets a serious tone right from the start.

When NOT To Use It

Never use this in a casual text message to friends. Do not use it in a grocery list or a birthday card. It will make you sound like a robot or a textbook. Avoid it in creative writing like stories or poems. It is too stiff for a friendly email to a colleague. Keep it strictly for 'serious' academic or professional documents.

Cultural Background

Western academic culture loves 'objective' language. We often avoid using 'I' or 'me' in formal essays. By saying the present paper argues, you create a professional distance. It suggests that the evidence is doing the talking, not just your personal opinion. It is a tradition that dates back centuries in scientific writing.

Common Variations

You can swap paper for article, study, or report. Instead of argues, you might use claims, suggests, or demonstrates. This study contends that is a popular alternative. The current research explores how is another way to start. These all serve the same purpose: being formal and clear.

Notas de uso

This is a C1-level academic marker. It is strictly for formal registers. Using it in informal speech will likely be interpreted as a joke or extreme sarcasm.

💡

The 'Present' Secret

In this context, 'present' doesn't mean a gift. It means 'the one you are looking at right now.' It's a way to distinguish your work from other papers you might cite.

⚠️

Don't Repeat It

Use this phrase only once in your introduction. If you keep saying 'the paper argues' in every paragraph, your writing will feel repetitive and robotic.

💬

The 'I' Debate

Some modern professors actually prefer you to say 'I argue.' However, 'the present paper argues' is a 'safety' phrase—it is never considered wrong in formal settings.

Ejemplos

6
#1 Writing a university history essay
💼

The present paper argues that the industrial revolution was fueled by specific colonial trade routes.

This essay will prove that the industrial revolution was powered by colonial trade.

This sets a clear, academic tone for a history professor.

#2 Submitting a medical research abstract
💼

The present paper argues that early intervention significantly improves patient outcomes in chronic cases.

This study shows that helping patients early leads to much better results.

Standard phrasing for medical journals and scientific reports.

#3 Mocking a friend's overly serious tone
😄

The present paper argues that you have been late to our coffee dates three times this week.

I am officially pointing out that you are always late.

Using high formality for a trivial topic creates a funny, sarcastic effect.

#4 Writing a formal business proposal
💼

The present paper argues that a shift to remote work will reduce overhead costs by 20%.

This report claims that working from home will save us 20% on costs.

Effective for convincing executives with data-driven claims.

#5 A student struggling with an emotional sociology topic
💭

The present paper argues that systemic inequality remains the primary barrier to social mobility.

This essay proves that unfair systems keep people from moving up in society.

Maintains a professional distance while discussing a sensitive, emotional topic.

#6 Texting a classmate about an assignment
😊

Hey, does your 'present paper' argue anything yet, or are you still staring at a blank screen?

Do you have a thesis yet, or are you stuck?

Using the phrase in quotes shows they are talking about the specific academic requirement.

Ponte a prueba

Complete the thesis statement for a formal essay.

The ___ paper argues that urban green spaces improve mental health.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: present

In academic writing, 'the present paper' is the standard fixed expression to refer to the work currently being read.

Choose the most appropriate verb to follow the phrase in a scientific context.

The present paper argues ___ the data is statistically significant.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: that

The word 'that' is required here to introduce the subordinate clause containing the main argument.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality Level of 'The present paper argues that'

Casual

Texting a friend: 'I think...'

I think pizza is good.

Neutral

Work email: 'In this report...'

In this report, we look at sales.

Formal

College Essay: 'This essay shows...'

This essay shows the impact of taxes.

Very Formal

Academic Journal: 'The present paper argues...'

The present paper argues that data is key.

Where to use 'The present paper argues that'

The present paper argues that
🎓

University Thesis

Defining your core research claim.

🔬

Scientific Journal

Presenting new experimental findings.

📊

Business Whitepaper

Proposing a new industry strategy.

⚖️

Legal Brief

Stating a formal legal position.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It means 'current' or 'this specific one.' It refers to the paper the reader is currently holding or reading.

It is usually too formal for a cover letter. Use I believe my skills... instead to sound more personal and enthusiastic.

Yes, This paper argues is slightly less formal but very common. The present paper is the most formal version possible.

No, you can use suggests, claims, contends, or demonstrates. Pick the one that best fits how strong your proof is.

It is used in both! It is a universal standard for academic English across the globe.

In formal writing, I think sounds like a personal opinion. The present paper argues makes it sound like a logical conclusion based on evidence.

Yes, but usually in the past tense: This paper has argued that... to summarize what you just proved.

Usually, yes. For a blog, try In this post, I'll show you... to keep it friendly and engaging.

No, in academia, paper refers to the essay or research article itself, even if it is a digital PDF.

Forgetting the word that. You must say argues that [your idea]. Without that, the sentence structure usually fails.

Frases relacionadas

This study contends that

A formal way to say the research strongly suggests a specific point.

The author posits that

A way to introduce a theory or suggestion made by the writer.

It is argued that

A passive way to introduce an argument without mentioning the paper or the author.

The evidence suggests that

Focuses the reader's attention on the data rather than the writer's argument.

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