a defense of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a defense of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce an argument or justification for a certain belief, action, or statement. Example: The lawyer presented a defense of his client's innocence, citing several pieces of evidence that supported their case.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To a defense of the Tenth Amendment?

The New Yorker

Nor is this a defense of unilateralism.

The New York Times

This provoked a defense of toxic masculinity.

The New Yorker

Science has come up with a defense of your condition.

The New York Times - Science

"Joe Gould's Secret" is a defense of invention.

The New Yorker

In 1946 he published a defense of his administration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But no sensible person takes a defense of those First Amendment rights as a defense of Nazi beliefs.

The New Yorker

A defense of Ray Kurzweil's visions of accelerating technological change.

The New York Times

A defense of Old Hickory's treatment of the Indians.

The New York Times - Books

None of this is a defense of modernity.

The New York Times - Books

"Reading Rilke" is ultimately a defense of poetry itself.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a defense of", ensure that the argument or justification you are presenting is clearly articulated and supported with evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "a defense of" without clearly stating what is being defended. Be precise about the subject of the defense to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defense of" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces an explanation or justification for something, as shown in Ludwig's examples where it precedes various topics like "toxic masculinity" or "property ownership".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defense of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce arguments or justifications. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity in your argument to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "a justification for" or "an argument for" to fine-tune your expression based on the context. The key is to clearly articulate what you're defending and why.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a justification for

This alternative focuses on providing reasons or evidence to support a particular action or belief.

an argument for

This alternative highlights the presentation of reasons and evidence in favor of something.

a rationale for

This option emphasizes the underlying reasons or logical basis for a decision or action.

a vindication of

This phrase suggests clearing someone or something from blame or suspicion, emphasizing justification after scrutiny.

a support for

This alternative focuses on providing assistance or encouragement to something.

an endorsement of

This phrase indicates formal approval or public support for something.

an advocacy for

This option highlights active support and promotion of a cause or idea.

a plea for

This alternative suggests making an emotional or urgent request in support of something.

a case for

This phrase emphasizes the presentation of facts and arguments to persuade someone of something.

a championing of

This suggests actively fighting for or defending a cause or idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "a defense of" to introduce an argument or justification. For example, "The book offers "a defense of" the author's controversial policies".

What are some alternatives to using "a defense of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a justification for", "an argument for", or "a rationale for", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a defense of" or "in defense of"?

"A defense of" is typically used to introduce a formal or structured argument, while "in defense of" is used in a more immediate or reactive situation. The choice depends on the context.

What does it mean to offer "a defense of" something?

To offer "a defense of" something means to provide reasons, evidence, or arguments to support or justify it, often in response to criticism or opposition. It signifies an attempt to validate or protect a particular idea, action, or belief.