assert independence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assert independence" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation when someone is taking a stand and asserting their independence, for example, "Michelle asserted her independence by leaving home and starting her own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Candidates must assert independence and reflect local concerns to build a relationship with voters.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Huhne will struggle to assert independence because he is bound into the coalition more strongly than Cable and Farron.

The Guardian

The protégés begin to assert independence, and the mentors begin to consider that they have no additional knowledge to share with the protégés or guidance to provide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Traditional theory holds that the self-starvation of anorexia represents an adolescent's desperate attempt to assert independence in the face of overbearing or intrusive parents.

The New York Times - Health

However, a committee consisting of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston was promptly chosen on June 11 to prepare a statement justifying the decision to assert independence, should it be taken.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The losses and restrictions that came from the war greatly widened the breach between the colonies and the mother country; moreover, it was necessary to assert independence in order to secure as much French aid as possible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The relationship between composer and public became a vicious circle; the more the composer asserted independence, the more the public clung to the past.

The New Yorker

She's also a figure of hard-won, carefully planned, strongly asserted independence wrenched from the white men who run the business of the sport.

The New Yorker

He adds: "Whereas the first musical age is about asserting independence, the next appears to be more about gaining acceptance from others".

The Guardian

And a serious problem is emerging: some are rebelling or asserting independence by skipping or stopping medication, which can make H.I.V. spiral out of control and become impervious to previously effective therapies.

The New York Times

Witness how China's heavy-handed threats, aimed at intimidating Taiwan's voters, backfired to the point that the Taiwanese elected the candidate who until recently had talked of asserting independence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about political entities or organizations, use "assert independence" to convey a strong, proactive declaration of self-governance, differentiating it from simply having or seeking independence.

Common error

Avoid using "assert independence" when the context implies achieving or gaining independence for the first time. "Assert" indicates a reaffirmation or declaration of existing independence, not the initial attainment of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assert independence" functions as a declarative action, indicating a firm and deliberate statement or demonstration of autonomy. Ludwig examples showcase its use in political, personal, and organizational contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

21%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assert independence" is a phrase used to convey a firm declaration or demonstration of autonomy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in news, encyclopedic, and academic contexts. Remember to use "assert independence" when the context requires emphasizing the act of declaring autonomy, rather than simply having or achieving it. Related phrases include "declare autonomy" and "affirm autonomy", offering nuanced alternatives to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declare autonomy

This alternative uses "declare" instead of "assert", emphasizing the act of making a formal statement of independence.

affirm autonomy

This alternative uses "affirm" instead of "assert", suggesting a confirmation or validation of independence.

establish autonomy

This alternative focuses on the action of setting up independence.

maintain autonomy

This alternative focuses on the act of keeping or preserving independence.

defend autonomy

This alternative highlights protecting one's independence from external threats or challenges.

exercise sovereignty

This alternative implies the active use of independent authority and control.

proclaim sovereignty

This alternative is more formal and suggests a public declaration of supreme power or authority.

secure self-governance

This focuses on the action of obtaining the right to rule oneself.

uphold sovereignty

This alternative suggests actively supporting and maintaining independent authority.

enforce self-rule

This focuses on the act of making people follow the rules of an independent government.

FAQs

How can I use "assert independence" in a sentence?

You can use "assert independence" to describe actions taken to declare or reinforce autonomy, for example, "The newly formed nation needed to "assert its independence" from its former colonizer through economic and political reforms."

What can I say instead of "assert independence"?

You can use alternatives like "declare autonomy", "affirm autonomy", or "establish autonomy" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "assert independence" or "achieve independence"?

Both are correct but have different meanings. "Assert independence" means to declare or reinforce existing autonomy, while "achieve independence" means to gain independence for the first time.

What's the difference between "assert independence" and "maintain independence"?

"Assert independence" focuses on the act of declaring or emphasizing autonomy, while "maintain independence" emphasizes the continuous effort to preserve it.