assert a right to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assert a right to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is claiming or stating their entitlement to something, often in legal or formal contexts. Example: "The organization decided to assert a right to access public records in order to promote transparency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Mr. Bush has used the signing statements to assert a right to bypass more than 1,100 sections of laws.

The New York Times

People seek to assert a right to control what happens to information they have provided under a legal obligation or given voluntarily but for a specific purpose.

The Guardian

For example, the report said, the lesbian partner of a child's biological mother may, in some circumstances, be able to assert a right to custody or visitation when the relationship between the women ends.

The New York Times

In a relatively few days of combat (which arose simply out of a determination to assert a right to demonstrate peaceably on the street) the students have pushed the adult workers into an action they had been timorously skirting around for the past ten years.

The Guardian

Implicitly, Mr. Bush has agreed to engage the country in a discussion over a fundamental change in America's national security strategy: his doctrine that perilous times have forced the United States to assert a right to launch pre-emptive strikes against any state that could put weapons of mass destruction into the hands of terrorists.

The New York Times

Benatar argues, for example, that autonomy rights cannot permit risking severe harm to children; those who risk transmitting HIV, for instance, cannot assert a right to reproduce.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Plaintiff also asserts a right to injunctive relief based upon state law.

Harvard University

Intel asserted a right to share information about its chips with whomever it pleased.

The New York Times

It asserted a right to be treated fairly in moral terms.

The New Yorker

Mr. Putin has aggressively asserted a right to privacy, and his office declined to comment for this article.

The New York Times

Turkey has repeatedly asserted a right to raid Kurdish shelters in northern Iraq, if the government of Kurdistan and its American backers do not contain the rebels.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assert a right to", ensure the context clearly defines the basis and scope of the right being asserted. Be specific about the legal, moral, or ethical grounds for the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "assert a right to" in situations where the right is vague, undefined, or lacks a clear foundation. Ensure there is a legitimate basis for the asserted right to maintain credibility and avoid disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assert a right to" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of claiming or declaring an entitlement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used in legal or formal contexts. Examples in Ludwig show it used in relation to legal rights, privacy rights, and other entitlements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "assert a right to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the act of claiming or declaring an entitlement, as noted by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, this phrase carries a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about the right being asserted and its foundations to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "claim entitlement to" or "declare a right to" can be used depending on the nuance required. It's important to avoid vague claims when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

claim entitlement to

Emphasizes the act of claiming something one is entitled to.

declare a right to

Focuses on the formal declaration of a right.

lay claim to

Suggests a formal claim or assertion.

demand a right to

Highlights the demanding nature of the assertion.

maintain a right to

Implies an ongoing assertion of a right.

uphold a right to

Stresses the defense of an existing right.

exercise a right to

Focuses on the active use of a right.

invoke a right to

Suggests a formal or legal appeal to a right.

vindicate a right to

Emphasizes the justification or defense of a right.

stake a claim to

Presents the assertion as a way to stake an ownership.

FAQs

How can I use "assert a right to" in a sentence?

Use "assert a right to" when you want to express that someone is claiming or declaring their entitlement to something. For example, "The organization decided to "assert a right to" access public records in order to promote transparency."

What are some alternatives to "assert a right to"?

You can use alternatives like "claim entitlement to", "declare a right to", or "lay claim to" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "claim a right" or "assert a right"?

"Assert a right" often implies a more formal or legalistic context compared to "claim a right", though they are often interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean to "assert a right to privacy"?

To "assert a right to privacy" means to declare and stand up for your entitlement to personal autonomy and control over your personal information and activities, free from unwarranted intrusion.