assert something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assert something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to state or declare something confidently or forcefully. Example: "In her presentation, she chose to assert something that challenged the conventional wisdom of the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

For after all, if truth is a norm of assertion, then, if you assert something false, you are open to criticism.

SEP

Atheists and theists are identical in one respect: they both assert something about which they know nothing.

The New York Times - Magazine

He cannot simply assert something so damning; he must provide some real evidence or else issue an apology.

The Washington Post

"It's one thing to have information in a classified document with caveats and footnotes, and another to have the president flatly assert something," an intelligence official said.

The New York Times

"The truth is, this commission really did not have access to the type of intelligence that would have been necessary to indisputably assert something new".

The New York Times

During the final months of last season, when City were straining to assert something of the ascendancy the new owners were so intent on establishing, Kompany played with damaged bones and ligaments in his foot.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"I can't commit legal malpractice by not asserting something because I'm in a wheelchair," he said.

The New York Times

If you want to destroy public confidence, solemnly asserting something that is obviously untrue is a good way to start.

The New York Times

David Donald asserts something like the opposite in his biography: "At about the time of Willie's death Lincoln's optimism about military affairs also began to vanish".

The New Yorker

When it introduced the original version of this vehicle, Porsche asserted something to the effect of, "The Cayenne Turbo plays the Range Rover's game off-road better than the Range Rover plays the Cayenne's game on-road".

The New York Times

All of which is further evidence for the wisdom in that line from Hamlet about the lady protesting too much: strenuously asserting something is often a sign that, really, you doubt it, or believe the opposite.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assert something" when you want to convey a sense of authority or confidence in your statement. Consider the context to ensure the tone is appropriate; it can sometimes come across as forceful.

Common error

Avoid using "assert something" without providing supporting evidence or reasoning. Over-reliance on unsupported assertions can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility. Always back up your claims with facts, data, or logical explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assert something" functions as a verb phrase where "assert" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the act of stating something confidently.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assert something" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe making a confident statement. While Ludwig AI identifies it as correct, Ludwig examples show it's relatively rare. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific, news, and media contexts and holds a neutral register suitable for professional communication. Related phrases include "state something confidently" and "declare something firmly". When using this phrase, ensure you can support your assertion with evidence to maintain credibility. The top authoritative sources include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state something confidently

Emphasizes the confidence in the statement, rather than the act of asserting.

declare something firmly

Highlights the firmness of the declaration, suggesting a strong conviction.

maintain something steadfastly

Focuses on the unwavering nature of the assertion over time.

profess something openly

Indicates a public and explicit declaration.

put something forward

Suggests presenting an idea or argument for consideration.

advance an argument

Implies a more formal and structured presentation of a point.

posit a claim

Introduces a claim as a basis for reasoning or discussion.

aver a truth

Emphasizes the truthfulness of the assertion being made.

contend a point

Suggests arguing for a particular viewpoint.

affirm a belief

Highlights the confirmation or validation of a belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "assert something" to express a confident declaration or statement. For example, "The scientist chose to "assert something" that challenged previous assumptions."

What is a good alternative to "assert something"?

Alternatives include "state something confidently", "declare something firmly", or "maintain something steadfastly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "assert something" or "suggest something"?

Whether to "assert something" or "suggest something" depends on the context. "Assert" implies a strong, confident statement, while "suggest" indicates a more tentative or speculative proposition.

What does it mean to "assert something"?

To "assert something" means to state it confidently and forcefully as if it were true, regardless of whether or not there is concrete proof. This expression is often used when someone makes a statement without providing evidence.