Argumentative Use and Strategic Function of the Expression ‘Not for Nothing’

Argumentation, vol. 34, pp. 143–162

Abstract

Abstract In English discourse one can find cases of the expression ‘not for nothing’ being used in argumentation. The expression can occur both in the argument and in the standpoint. In this chapter we analyse the argumentative and rhetorical aspects of ‘not for nothing’ by regarding this expression as a presentational device for strategic manoeuvring. We investigate under which conditions the proposition containing the expression ‘not for nothing’ functions as a standpoint, an argument or neither of these elements. It is also examined which type of standpoint (descriptive, evaluative or prescriptive) and which types of argument scheme (symptomatic, causal or comparison) the expression typically co-occurs with. In doing so we aim to develop a better understanding of the role and effects of ‘not for nothing’ when used in argumentation. Finally, we show that the strategic potential of ‘not for nothing’ lies in its suggestion that sufficient support has been provided while this support has in fact been left implicit.

Authors 2

1. Henrike Jansen corresponding Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

2. A. Francisca Snoeck Henkemans

   University of Amsterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands