a defense for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a defense for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a reason or justification for something. For example: - The lawyer presented a strong defense for her client, arguing that he was not responsible for the crime. - The researcher provided evidence as a defense for her controversial hypothesis. - The politician gave a speech outlining his defense for the controversial policy change. In each of these examples, the phrase "a defense for" is used to introduce a reason or justification for a particular action or belief. It can also be used in a more general sense, as in "I have a defense for my actions," meaning that the speaker has a reason or justification for what they did.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Is it a defense for Lebanon?

The New York Times

Laviolette said, "I don't think there's a defense for that".

The New York Times - Sports

How do you fix a defense for Carter?

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately, independent invention cannot be used as a defense for patent infringement.

University of California, Berkeley

That's not a defense for some of the tardiness on bank regulation.

The New Yorker

"For us to mount a defense for Babar would be very, very easy.

The Washington Post

Coach Jacobson, under suspension himself, was unable to mount much of a defense for the boys.

The New York Times - Sports

"O.K.," he said, "we got a defense for the ball game.

The New York Times - Sports

But other lawyers would face the same difficulty in producing a defense for an unwilling defendant.

The New York Times

But future lawyers will face the same difficulty in producing a defense for an unwilling defendant.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Herb Williams made two shots and played Hack-a-Shaq defense for nine minutes.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a defense for", clearly state the action, belief, or entity being defended to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "That's a defense for questionable behavior", specify "That's a defense for his questionable behavior during the meeting".

Common error

Avoid using "a defense for" when you actually mean an excuse or a rationalization. A true defense aims to justify or vindicate, not merely explain away or minimize the significance of an action or decision. Using "a justification for" might be more appropriate in cases where you are explaining a motivation without necessarily implying an approval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defense for" serves as a prepositional phrase that introduces the reason or justification provided in support of someone or something. It commonly functions as a noun complement, clarifying the purpose or intent behind a defense. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

7%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defense for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce a justification or reason supporting a particular action, belief, or entity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as academic contexts, indicating its broad suitability across various registers. When using this phrase, clearly state what is being defended to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "a justification for" and "a rationale for", which offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. While "a defense for" aims to provide a valid reason, avoid confusing it with "an excuse for", which often implies a weaker justification. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for constructing arguments and providing support in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a justification for

Focuses more on explaining why something is right or reasonable, shifting the emphasis from protection to rationale.

a rationale for

Emphasizes the underlying reasons or logic behind an action or decision, highlighting the thought process involved.

an argument for

Highlights the presentation of reasons and evidence in support of a particular viewpoint or action.

a reason for

Offers a straightforward explanation or cause, simplifying the concept of defense to a basic justification.

a plea for

Implies a more emotional or urgent request for understanding or support, changing the tone from objective defense to subjective appeal.

a support for

Highlights the act of providing assistance or backing, shifting the focus to active help and endorsement.

a cover for

Suggests concealment or protection from scrutiny, adding an element of secrecy or avoidance.

a shield against

Emphasizes protection against harm or criticism, using a more figurative and forceful image.

an excuse for

Often implies a weak or inadequate justification, introducing a negative connotation not present in "a defense for".

a vindication of

Focuses on clearing someone of blame or suspicion, often after a period of doubt or accusation.

FAQs

How can I use "a defense for" in a sentence?

You can use "a defense for" to introduce a reason or justification for something. For example, "The lawyer presented "a defense for" her client" or "The politician offered "a defense for" the new policy".

What's a good alternative to "a defense for" when I want to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "a justification for" or "a rationale for", which emphasize the logical reasoning behind an action or belief.

Is "a defense for" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "a defense for" is suitable for academic writing when you're explaining or justifying a particular argument, theory, or methodology. It indicates that you're providing reasons or evidence to support a claim. Consider alternatives like "an argument for" when directly supporting a claim.

What is the difference between "a defense for" and "an excuse for"?

"A defense for" aims to provide a valid justification or reason, implying that the action or belief is reasonable or acceptable. In contrast, "an excuse for" often implies a weak or inadequate justification, suggesting that the action or belief is less defensible.