advocate

USAGE SUMMARY

"advocate" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy. For example: "She is a passionate advocate for animal rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfortunately that's how many have perceived the religious community to be involved, to advocate for privatizing education and the redirecting of funds through vouchers".

The Guardian

Government scientists, drawing on data from Nagasaki and Hiroshima, used to visit schools to check thyroids and radioactivity levels, recalled Peterson, another advocate.

The Guardian - Film

McBride, who has a reputation as a robust advocate, had previously acted for the club's manager at a high-profile disciplinary hearing before the Scottish FA.

The Guardian

But it is not the first time journalists have been deliberately targeted: Serb television was bombed during the Kosovo conflict because it was seen as an agent and advocate of state terrorism.

The Guardian

Herbal medicines are used by about a quarter of adults in the UK, the market is worth at least £485m, and they have a powerful advocate in Prince Charles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leading human rights lawyer and advocate Julian Burnside QC has told the ABC that the Australian government's holding of 153 asylum seekers on a customs boat at sea may amount to piracy.

The Guardian

He is an advocate of open data science and an adviser to a London-based startup, CitizenMe, that aims to allow users to reclaim their digital soul.

The Guardian

That will be more complicated than anyone – even those who advocate radical new approaches, including decriminalisation – dare consider.

The Guardian

At the same time, every business leader and advocate now feels the need to start any conversation about workplace relations with the words, "I don't support a return to Work Choices".

The Guardian

Labor, working with the trade union movement, has won the battle on workplace relations so profoundly that it is impossible in modern Australia to find an advocate for the Howard government's Work Choices laws.

The Guardian

Nicola Kershaw is a mental health and wellbeing advocate working with a number of charities including Mind and Time to Change.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "advocate" as a verb, be sure to specify what you are advocating for. For example, instead of saying "They advocate," specify "They advocate for policy reform".

Common error

Avoid using "advocate" when "advisor" is more appropriate. An "advocate" actively supports a cause, while an "advisor" provides guidance or recommendations.

Linguistic Context

The word "advocate" functions both as a noun, referring to someone who supports a cause, and as a verb, meaning to publicly support or recommend. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts, aligning with its dual grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "advocate" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, denoting support and active promotion of a cause or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it maintains a grammatically sound presence across diverse contexts. This word is most frequently used in news and media, business, and scientific domains. When using "advocate", ensure clarity by specifying what you are advocating for and avoiding confusion with similar terms like "advisor". By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "advocate" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

champion

Emphasizes active support and defense of a cause or person.

support

A more general term indicating approval and encouragement.

promote

Focuses on raising awareness and encouraging adoption or acceptance.

speak for

Highlights the act of representing someone's views or interests.

defend

Highlights the act of protecting and justifying something against opposition.

stand up for

Implies taking a firm and public position in support of someone or something.

plead for

Suggests an earnest request or appeal on behalf of someone or something.

argue for

Emphasizes presenting reasons and evidence in favor of something.

be an exponent of

Stresses the role of actively explaining and promoting an idea or cause.

lobby for

Suggests actively influencing decision-makers to support a particular cause or legislation.

FAQs

How can I use "advocate" in a sentence?

You can use "advocate" as a noun, referring to a person who supports a cause, or as a verb, meaning to publicly recommend or support something. For example: "She is a strong advocate for environmental protection," or "They advocate for stricter gun control laws".

What's the difference between "advocate" and "supporter"?

While both terms refer to someone who is in favor of something, "advocate" often implies a more active and public role in promoting or defending a cause, whereas "supporter" can simply mean someone who agrees with a particular idea or organization.

Which is correct, "advocate for" or "advocate something"?

Both are correct. You can "advocate for" a cause or policy, or simply "advocate" a specific action or idea. For example: "They advocate for human rights" or "They advocate stricter regulations".

What can I say instead of "advocate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "champion", "support", or "promote" to convey similar meanings.