aim to defend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aim to defend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an intention or goal to protect or support something, often in a legal, political, or personal context. Example: "The organization aims to defend the rights of marginalized communities through advocacy and education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Mr. Ben-Eliezer said of the fence, "It has only one clear aim: to defend the lives of Israeli citizens".

The New York Times

"This rhetoric exacerbates the issue at hand and in essence is a further attack on those we aim to defend".

The Guardian

Her first race, barring weather delays, is Monday's giant slalom, and two days later she will aim to defend her Olympic slalom title.

The Washington Post

Hopefully, a summit between the president of Russia and the president of the United States will aim to defend the interest and the values of the West.

The Washington Post

The military hierarchy closed ranks: its singular aim to defend its honour, and incriminate Dreyfus, triumphed over the facts.In the end, justice prevailed.

The Economist

Authorities must rein in the informant program, and institute immediate congressional oversight, if they sincerely aim to defend the liberty and security of all Americans, regardless of race or religion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Both have denied any wrongdoing and Farah will be in Rio aiming to defend his titles.

The Guardian - Sport

Aged 30, Ennis-Hill is aiming to defend her Olympic title in Rio.

The Guardian - Sport

Jody Cundy takes to the velodrome in the C4 1k time trial (2pm), aiming to defend his 2008 title.

The Guardian - Sport

Jeff Jarvis's latest book, "Public Parts," aims to defend society's move to public displays of personal information in an age of the Internet, social media and blogging.

The New York Times

The Journal "16" wrote a follow up article aiming to defend their views from other criticisms published just before Nordhaus's essay appeared.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aim to defend", ensure the object you are defending is clearly defined. This clarity enhances the impact and credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject's aim to defend is obscured by passive voice. Directly stating who aims to defend enhances clarity and strength.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aim to defend" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It typically follows a noun or pronoun, indicating the intention behind an action. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to describe the goals of organizations, individuals, or policies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aim to defend" is a versatile phrase used to express an intention of protection or advocacy. As Ludwig AI highlights, it’s grammatically sound and commonly found in various contexts, especially in news and media. To use it effectively, ensure clarity about what you are defending and avoid obscuring the subject in passive constructions. Related phrases like "seek to protect" or "strive to uphold" can offer nuanced alternatives, depending on your specific intent. This phrase, as evidenced by the range of authoritative sources it appears in, adds clarity and purpose to any well-written document.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek to protect

Focuses on the act of protecting something from harm or danger.

endeavor to safeguard

Emphasizes the effort made to ensure the safety and security of something.

strive to uphold

Highlights the commitment to maintaining or preserving a principle or standard.

intend to advocate

Specifically refers to publicly supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy.

aspire to champion

Suggests a strong desire to actively support and promote a cause or idea.

plan to shield

Implies a strategy to guard or cover something from potential threats.

work to preserve

Focuses on the effort to maintain something in its original or existing state.

undertake to secure

Indicates a commitment to obtaining or ensuring the safety of something.

resolve to guard

Emphasizes the determination to protect something from harm or unwanted access.

purpose to vindicate

Highlights the intention to clear someone of blame or suspicion.

FAQs

How can I use "aim to defend" in a sentence?

You can use "aim to defend" to express an intention to protect or support something, as in "The organization aims to defend the rights of its members".

What are some alternatives to "aim to defend"?

Alternatives include "seek to protect", "strive to uphold", or "intend to advocate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "aim to defend" and "try to defend"?

"Aim to defend" suggests a planned or strategic approach, while "try to defend" implies an attempt that may or may not be successful. The former conveys more certainty of intent.

When is it appropriate to use "aim to defend" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you want to clearly state an objective of protection or advocacy. For example, "The policy aims to defend the interests of small businesses".