What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cogency
Example
His argument lacked cogency and failed to convince the audience. [cogency: noun]
Example
The cogency of her reasoning made it difficult to refute her claims. [cogency: noun]
validity
Example
The validity of his research findings was questioned due to the small sample size. [validity: noun]
Example
The validity of her argument was supported by extensive research and data. [validity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Validity is more commonly used than cogency in everyday language. Validity is a versatile word that can be applied to a wide range of subjects, while cogency is less common and often used in more specialized or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cogency and validity?
Both cogency and validity can be used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional discussions. However, cogency may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with intellectual or scholarly discourse.
