are we defending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are we defending" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when questioning whether a particular position, idea, or action is being supported or protected. Example: "In this debate, are we defending the right to free speech, or are we advocating for restrictions?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Who are we defending?

The New York Times

"Why are we defending the man?" Mr. Seth thundered.

The New York Times

If other European governments believe this leads to corruption, why are we defending it?

The Guardian

In a debate dominated by vested interests, Media Reform takes a step back to ask: whose freedom of expression are we defending and who are we defending it from?

The Guardian - Opinion

Organizations must look at their record of work and ask, "Whose human rights are we defending, and who are we leaving out?" The shift will be difficult, but necessary as rights groups attempt to live up to the promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The difference was we defended well too.

BBC

How are we gonna defend ourselves?

Huffington Post

"Our civilization is a luxury and that is what we are defending," he had grandly declared.

The New Yorker

The first is that we are defending certain lobbies that speak for special interests which are clearly economic and commercial.

EU Parlament

Our message is that we are defending our rights and existence on this land".

The Guardian

"My feeling is that while we are defending a culture, we don't pay attention to maintaining one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are we defending", ensure the context clearly defines what is being defended. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretation. For example: Instead of "Are we defending?", specify "Are we defending the interests of our shareholders?"

Common error

Avoid using "are we defending" without specifying the object of defense. This can lead to vagueness and weaken your argument. Instead of asking a broad question, focus on the specific entity or principle at stake.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are we defending" functions primarily as an interrogative phrase. It is used to question the justification, purpose, or moral implications of supporting or protecting a particular entity, idea, or action. It prompts reflection on the values and consequences associated with the act of defending, as seen in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are we defending" is an interrogative phrase used to question the rationale behind supporting or protecting something. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, however, its usage is relatively uncommon. As shown through various examples, it commonly appears in News & Media as well as in Formal & Business contexts, prompting critical evaluation. Remember, when using "are we defending", ensure clarity about what is being defended to avoid ambiguity and maintain a focused argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what are we protecting

Focuses on the act of protection, replacing 'defending' with a more general term.

what is our stance on defending

Shifts the focus to the underlying attitude or opinion about defending something.

what principles are we upholding

Emphasizes the principles or values that are being supported.

what are we advocating for

Highlights the act of publicly supporting or recommending a cause or policy.

what are we standing up for

Stresses the act of taking a firm position in support of something.

what cause are we championing

Emphasizes active support and promotion of a particular cause.

who are we siding with

Focuses on the act of choosing a particular side in a conflict or dispute.

what position are we maintaining

Highlights the act of holding firm to a specific viewpoint or stance.

what policy are we endorsing

Focuses on the act of formally approving or supporting a particular policy.

what are we preserving

Highlights the effort to maintain or keep something in its original or existing state.

FAQs

How can I use "are we defending" in a sentence?

You can use "are we defending" to question the justification or purpose behind supporting a particular entity, idea, or action. For example, "Are we defending a policy that harms the environment?"

What's a more formal alternative to "are we defending"?

In a more formal context, you might use "what is our rationale for defending" or "what principles underpin our defense of". These alternatives offer a more structured and considered tone.

What can I say instead of "are we defending" to imply disagreement?

To express disagreement, you could ask "should we really be defending" or "is it justifiable to defend". These alternatives suggest skepticism about the act of defending.

Is there a difference between "are we defending" and "are we supporting"?

While similar, "are we defending" often implies a challenge or threat to what is being protected, whereas "are we supporting" is a more general term for providing assistance or approval.