a preliminary defence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preliminary defence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to refer to an initial argument or strategy presented in response to a charge or claim. Example: "The lawyer presented a preliminary defence to challenge the validity of the evidence against her client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A preliminary defence co-operation agreement was also signed.

The Guardian

That can be costly (even a preliminary defence can easily exceed £100,000).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The revised document says it is a presentation of the "fundamental aspects of the case against him, and a preliminary legal analysis of liability for torture, and a response to certain anticipated defences.

The Guardian

After the French defence ministry was informed of the rape accusations last summer, the Paris prosecutor opened a preliminary investigation.

Independent

The French defence ministry said it was informed in July 2014 of the accusations, and French prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation.

The Guardian

Earlier on Friday, EU ambassadors reached a preliminary deal on further sanctions against Russia, targeting its access to European capital markets and trade in the defence sector, dual-use goods and sensitive technologies.

The Guardian

A preliminary autopsy was inconclusive.

The New York Times

"It's a preliminary investigation.

The New York Times - Science

The investigation is called a preliminary evaluation.

The New York Times

Akis Tsochatzopoulos, the long-serving defence minister, a former rival of Mr Simitis for the party leadership, called the decision "crazy .Mr Simitis has been careful not to cancel the Eurofighter order, for which a preliminary agreement has been signed.

The Economist

A preliminary judicial investigation has been opened.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a preliminary defence" to convey the early stages of building a defense strategy, often before all the facts are known or all legal options have been explored.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a preliminary defence" as if it's a comprehensive or definitive legal strategy. Ensure that you convey that it's subject to change as more information becomes available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary defence" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an initial stage or version of a defense in legal or strategic contexts. As supported by Ludwig, it describes a defense that is not yet fully developed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a preliminary defence" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an initial stage of a legal or strategic defense. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is fine, but alternatives may be needed in other cases. Although its frequency is rare, it appears most commonly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context reflects the understanding that the defense is not yet fully developed and is subject to change. Common related phrases are "an initial defense" or "a provisional defense".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial defense

Focuses on the aspect of being the first defense presented.

a provisional defense

Emphasizes the temporary or conditional nature of the defense.

a tentative defense

Highlights the uncertain or hesitant nature of the defense.

a starting defense

Indicates the commencement of the defense strategy.

a basic defense

Underlines the fundamental or elementary aspect of the defense.

an early defense

Stresses the timing of the defense, being presented at an early stage.

a preparatory defense

Highlights the defensive measures being prepared in advance.

a surface-level defense

Suggests the defense only addresses the most obvious aspects.

a cursory defense

Indicates a quick, superficial defense.

a rough defense

Suggests an incomplete or unrefined defense.

FAQs

How is "a preliminary defence" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "a preliminary defence" refers to an initial response or argument presented to challenge a claim or charge. It's often used before a full and detailed defense strategy is developed.

What are some alternatives to saying "a preliminary defence"?

You can use alternatives such as "an initial defense", "a provisional defense", or "a tentative defense" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a preliminary defense" the same as a final defense?

No, "a preliminary defence" is not the same as a final defense. The preliminary defense is the first version, which may be adjusted as the case evolves.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a preliminary defence"?

It's appropriate to use "a preliminary defence" when discussing the early stages of a legal defense strategy, where the arguments and evidence are still being gathered and refined.