To challenge this assertion
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use this to professionally signal that you disagree with a claim and are ready to debate it.
15秒でわかる
- Used to formally disagree with a specific statement or claim.
- Signals that you have evidence to prove someone else is wrong.
- Best for professional, academic, or very serious personal debates.
- Sounds intelligent, firm, and highly analytical.
意味
This phrase means you are openly questioning or disagreeing with a statement someone else has made. It is like saying, 'I don't think that is true, and I have the evidence to prove it.'
主な例文
3 / 6In a business meeting
I have to challenge this assertion that our sales are dropping due to the weather.
I have to challenge this assertion that our sales are dropping due to the weather.
Writing a university essay
Many historians challenge this assertion, citing newly discovered letters from the era.
Many historians challenge this assertion, citing newly discovered letters from the era.
A serious discussion with a partner
I'm going to challenge your assertion that I never help with the dishes.
I'm going to challenge your assertion that I never help with the dishes.
文化的背景
This expression is rooted in the Socratic method and formal rhetoric, where questioning a premise is the first step to finding the truth. In modern corporate culture, it is often used as a 'polite' way to tell a boss or colleague they are wrong without being insulting. It reflects a culture that prioritizes data-driven decision-making over hierarchy.
Pair it with 'Because'
In English culture, challenging someone without giving a reason can seem rude. Always follow up with 'because' and a piece of evidence.
Don't overdo it
If you use this phrase five times in one meeting, you'll sound like you're trying to start a fight. Save it for the most important points.
15秒でわかる
- Used to formally disagree with a specific statement or claim.
- Signals that you have evidence to prove someone else is wrong.
- Best for professional, academic, or very serious personal debates.
- Sounds intelligent, firm, and highly analytical.
What It Means
To challenge this assertion is to step into the ring of a debate. You are not just saying 'no.' You are saying that a specific claim lacks proof. An assertion is a fancy word for a statement made as if it were a fact. When you challenge it, you are demanding better evidence. It is the intellectual equivalent of saying, 'Hold on a minute, let's look at the facts.'
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you want to sound sharp and logical. It usually follows a statement you find doubtful. You might say, 'I would like to challenge this assertion because the data suggests otherwise.' It works best when you have a specific reason for your doubt. Don't just throw it out there without a backup plan. It sounds very smart, but it also sounds very firm. Use it when you want to be taken seriously.
When To Use It
This is a powerhouse phrase for professional settings. Use it during a high-stakes board meeting. Use it when writing a persuasive essay for university. It is perfect for a debate with a colleague who is making big claims. You can even use it in a serious discussion with a partner about household finances. It shows you are listening closely but thinking critically. It is the 'detective mode' of English conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase at a casual birthday party or a first date. If your friend says, 'This pizza is the best in town,' do not say, 'I challenge this assertion.' You will sound like a robot or a lawyer. It is too heavy for lighthearted banter. Also, avoid it if you don't actually have a counter-argument. It sets an expectation that a logical battle is coming. If you just disagree, say 'I'm not so sure about that' instead.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the Western tradition of academic and legal debate. In English-speaking cultures, especially in the UK and US, critical thinking is highly valued. We are taught to question authority and 'facts' from a young age. Using this phrase signals that you are part of that intellectual tradition. It shows you value truth over just being polite. It is a very 'Enlightenment-era' way to speak.
Common Variations
You might hear people say challenge that claim or dispute that statement. If you want to be slightly softer, you can say question this assumption. If you want to be more aggressive, try refute this assertion. Each variation changes the 'temperature' of the conversation. Challenge this assertion sits right in the middle—firm, professional, and very clear.
使い方のコツ
This phrase is C2 level because it requires an understanding of formal register and rhetorical strategy. It is almost exclusively used in 'high-stakes' environments where logical accuracy is more important than social harmony.
Pair it with 'Because'
In English culture, challenging someone without giving a reason can seem rude. Always follow up with 'because' and a piece of evidence.
Don't overdo it
If you use this phrase five times in one meeting, you'll sound like you're trying to start a fight. Save it for the most important points.
The 'Polite' Attack
British speakers often use this to be 'aggressively polite.' It allows them to call you a liar without using the word 'liar.'
例文
6I have to challenge this assertion that our sales are dropping due to the weather.
I have to challenge this assertion that our sales are dropping due to the weather.
The speaker is professionally disagreeing with a colleague's excuse.
Many historians challenge this assertion, citing newly discovered letters from the era.
Many historians challenge this assertion, citing newly discovered letters from the era.
Used here to show academic disagreement between experts.
I'm going to challenge your assertion that I never help with the dishes.
I'm going to challenge your assertion that I never help with the dishes.
Using formal language in a personal fight can add a touch of gravity.
As a lifelong fan, I must challenge the assertion that the sequel was better than the original.
As a lifelong fan, I must challenge the assertion that the sequel was better than the original.
The formal tone makes the 'nerdy' argument feel funnier.
Wait, I challenge that assertion! I saw him at the gym at 5 PM.
Wait, I challenge that assertion! I saw him at the gym at 5 PM.
Slightly dramatic use for a casual text message.
The defense wishes to challenge this assertion regarding the witness's timeline.
The defense wishes to challenge this assertion regarding the witness's timeline.
Standard legal phrasing for questioning a claim.
自分をテスト
Choose the correct word to complete the professional disagreement.
While I respect your opinion, I must challenge the ___ that we don't have enough budget.
'Assertion' is the specific formal noun that pairs with 'challenge' to mean a claim or statement.
Complete the sentence to show you have evidence.
I challenge this assertion ___ the data shows a 20% increase in traffic.
'Because' introduces the reason or evidence you are using to challenge the claim.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Scale of Disagreement
Talking to friends
No way, that's wrong!
Standard conversation
I don't think that's true.
Professional/Academic
I challenge this assertion.
Legal/Diplomatic
The undersigned disputes the validity of this assertion.
When to Challenge an Assertion
Boardroom
Questioning a projected profit margin.
Classroom
Debating a theory in a seminar.
Courtroom
A lawyer questioning a witness statement.
Online Forum
Debating a point with facts and links.
よくある質問
12 問An assertion is a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief. For example, if I say 'Coffee is better than tea,' that is an assertion.
Not at all! It is perfect for meetings where you need to be precise. It sounds much more professional than saying 'You're wrong.'
Yes, it works very well in formal emails. You might write, 'I would like to challenge the assertion made in your previous message regarding the deadline.'
'Disagree' is a feeling or opinion, while 'challenge' implies you are taking action to prove the other person wrong. It is more active and evidence-based.
Yes, changing 'this' to 'your' makes it more direct and personal. Use 'this' to focus on the idea, and 'your' to focus on the person.
Yes, if your workplace encourages open debate. It is a respectful way to offer a different perspective based on facts.
You can use claim, statement, premise, or contention. Claim is slightly more common in everyday speech.
It can sound assertive, but not necessarily aggressive. It depends on your tone of voice—keep it calm and logical to stay professional.
The best way is to provide more evidence. You could say, 'I hear your challenge, and here is the data to support my point.'
It is used in both! It is a standard part of formal English globally, especially in law, business, and academia.
Only if you are being funny. Using such a big phrase for something small like a pizza topping choice is a common form of English irony.
The most common mistake is forgetting the word assertion and saying 'I challenge this statement' instead. While not wrong, it's less sophisticated.
関連フレーズ
To take issue with
To disagree with something or find it unacceptable.
To call into question
To cause doubts to arise about something.
To debunk a myth
To prove that a popular belief is actually false.
To play devil's advocate
To argue against an idea just to test its strength.
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