assert

USAGE SUMMARY

'assert' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'assert' when you want to state a fact or opinion confidently or forcefully. For example, "She asserted that she had done the best job she possibly could."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Uzbekistan is central Asia's most populous state and strives to assert itself as a regional power.

The Guardian

There was nonetheless a historical irony in watching Ukrainians tearing down Lenin's statues as a sign of their will to break with Soviet domination and assert their national sovereignty.

The Guardian

It is the aggressive attempt to export liberal permissiveness that causes fundamentalism to fight back vehemently and assert itself.

The Guardian

Lukashenko has toed a delicate line over the years, trying to assert his nation's independence of Russia while conscious of the power that Vladimir Putin holds over him.

The Guardian

The organisers of London 2012 frequently assert that this summer's Olympics will leave a legacy for our times to rival the Great Exhibition of 1851 or the Festival of Britain 100 years later.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sachindra Narayan, a prominent Patna-based social scientist with the National Human Rights Commission in Delhi, said: "The prime reason [for the violence] is that [Dalits] feel empowered after seeing someone from their community at the head of the state and have begun to assert their rights.

The Guardian

The Napoli owner went on to assert that this was "either bad faith or incompetence" from the officials, demanding that all be punished for their errors.

The Guardian - Sport

In a further effort to assert their dominance in working-class loyalist districts, the UVF in North Down distributed posters and leaflets at the weekend in Bangor, County Down, with the names of people they accused of drug-dealing in the town.

The Guardian

Employees working in uninspiring jobs may be tempted to enact destructive behaviour as a source of stimulation, whereas individuals stressed out by heavy workloads may perpetrate bullying to cope with frustration or to assert personal control.

The Guardian

Blackwood's stories assert a deeper reality which, like the spectral skater, is always just "a little farther on, a little higher" than humans can grasp.

The Guardian - Books

Clegg was highly critical of the reported Tory plan to risk Britain's expulsion from Europe's human rights watchdog the Council of Europe by drawing up plans to assert the supremacy of parliament over the European court of human rights.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assert" when you want to express a strong belief or opinion with confidence, especially when there might be disagreement or doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "assert" too frequently in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or aggressive. Consider using milder alternatives like "say" or "suggest" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "assert" is as a transitive verb, used to express a confident and forceful declaration or statement. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts to state opinions, rights, or control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assert" is a versatile verb used to express a confident declaration or statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It is frequently found in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" sources. When using "assert", be mindful of the context and consider alternatives like "declare", "maintain", or "affirm" to fine-tune the tone and formality of your writing. Remember to avoid overusing "assert" in informal contexts to maintain a natural and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declare

Implies stating something formally or emphatically, often in a public or official context.

affirm

Indicates a strong and confident statement of truth or validity.

maintain

Suggests consistently holding a belief or opinion, often in the face of disagreement.

insist

Implies demanding that something be accepted or recognized, often when others disagree.

aver

Suggests stating something as a fact with confidence, often in a legal or formal setting.

contend

Suggests arguing or stating a point of view as part of a debate or discussion.

avow

Implies admitting or declaring something openly and boldly.

profess

Implies openly declaring a feeling or belief, which may or may not be genuinely held.

allege

Indicates stating something as a fact without proof or definitive evidence.

posit

Implies putting forward an idea or theory for consideration or discussion.

FAQs

How to use "assert" in a sentence?

Use "assert" when you want to state a fact or opinion confidently or forcefully. For example, "She "asserted" that she had done the best job she possibly could."

What can I say instead of "assert"?

You can use alternatives like "declare", "maintain", or "affirm" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "assert" or "suggest"?

"Assert" implies a strong, confident statement, while "suggest" implies a gentler, less forceful proposition. The best choice depends on the intended level of certainty and conviction.

What's the difference between "assert" and "claim"?

"Assert" typically implies a belief in the truth of a statement, while "claim" can suggest that the statement is debatable or unproven. "Claim" may also imply that someone is trying to gain something by making the statement.