In defence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In defence" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in British English.
You can use it when discussing reasons or arguments made to justify or support a particular position or action. Example: "In defence of her decision, she presented several compelling arguments that highlighted the benefits of her approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In defence?

Independent

In defence, this is working wonders.

The Economist

In defence, there's BAE … and that's it.

The Guardian

In Defence of Southend.

Vice

In Defence of Lads.

Vice

In Defence of Paranoia.

Vice

In Defence of Hull.

Vice

In Defence of Remoaners.

Vice

In Defence of Silvio Berlusconi.

Vice

In Defence of South Dublin.

Vice

In Defence of Male Bisexuality.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "In defence", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being defended. Provide specific reasons or evidence to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid starting every argument with "In defence" without explaining the initial issue or accusation. This can make your writing seem repetitive and unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In defence" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause by indicating the reason or justification for an action or statement. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is correctly and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "In defence" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to introduce arguments or justifications. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal to neutral, but is most frequently found in news and media. When using "In defence", make sure to provide clear context and specify what is being defended. Common alternatives include "in support of" and "in favor of". Remember to use the appropriate spelling ("defence" in British English, "defense" in American English) based on your target audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In support of

Focuses on providing backing or advocacy for something.

In favor of

Highlights a preference or endorsement for a particular choice or position.

In advocacy of

Emphasizes the act of publicly recommending or supporting a cause or policy.

In justification of

Highlights the act of providing reasons to show something is right or reasonable.

In protection of

Stresses the act of safeguarding or shielding something from harm.

Defending

A gerund form emphasizing the action of defending.

To protect

An infinitive form indicating the purpose of safeguarding.

On behalf of

Indicates acting as a representative to advocate for something.

To advocate for

An infinitive form to express support.

Championing

Emphasizes active and enthusiastic support.

FAQs

How can I use "In defence" in a sentence?

You can use "In defence" to introduce arguments or reasons that support a particular position or action. For example, "In defence of her decision, she cited the positive outcomes of similar projects".

What can I say instead of "In defence"?

You can use alternatives like "in support of", "in favor of", or "in justification of" depending on the context.

When should I use "In defence" versus "In defense"?

"In defence" is the British English spelling, while "In defense" is the American English spelling. Choose the spelling that aligns with your target audience or publication style.

Is it always necessary to use "of" after "In defence"?

Yes, "of" is necessary to connect "In defence" to the subject being defended. For instance, you would say "In defence of free speech", not "In defence free speech".