assert with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assert with" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward in many contexts.
It could be used when indicating the manner or method of asserting something, but it is generally better to use more standard expressions. Example: "He tried to assert with confidence that his theory was correct."

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No American can assert with authority what the reality in Iraq is like.

The New Yorker

Modern orchestras have assimilated much of what Mr. Gardiner and his peers assert with regard to "historically informed" style.

The New York Times - Arts

But what if we assert (with a great dramatic flourish) that your first associations should be 'lifesaving' and 'game changing' "?

The New York Times

There is always a problem, you assert with the arrogance of a film critic, with stage adaptations.

The Guardian

After all this, it might seem insane to assert, with Wallace Stevens, that "death is the mother of beauty".

The New Yorker

Yet the answer is easy, since all philosophers assert with one voice that mind is the king of heaven and earth-in reality they are magnifying themselves.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is 'impossible to assert with any degree of assurance that congressional failure to act represents' affirmative congressional approval of the courts' statutory interpretation...

Cornell University

[Turning to the witness.] Why did you assert with such certainty that there were no reports about the killing of the Poles?

Yale University

I was stumped by a lot of them, I'm sorry to say, but I can assert with conviction that the inspiration for "Hey, Jude" was not Judith Krantz.

The New York Times

It is not uncommon to hear Cuban exiles assert, with straight faces, that the breezes in Havana were cooler, the beaches bluer, the fruits sweeter.

The New York Times

William Kristol, the founder of The Weekly Standard, ventured to assert with conviction on Fox News, "She can recover substantially if she gets the proper rehabilitation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assert with", consider whether a stronger verb like 'declare', 'affirm', or 'maintain' might be more impactful and direct.

Common error

While not grammatically incorrect, repeatedly using "assert with" can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for a variety of synonyms to enhance readability and maintain the reader's interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assert with" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of stating something in a particular manner. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it often accompanies adverbs that modify the verb, such as "confidence", "certainty", or "conviction".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

25%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assert with" is a construction used to emphasize not only what is being said, but how it is being said. While grammatically sound, Ludwig AI points out that it can sometimes sound awkward. As seen in the examples, it frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific sources, conveying a level of formality. Consider using alternatives like "state with conviction" or "declare with certainty" for potentially clearer and more impactful writing. Always assess the context to choose the most appropriate phrasing for your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state with conviction

Emphasizes the strength of belief behind the statement.

declare with certainty

Highlights the lack of doubt in the assertion.

affirm with confidence

Focuses on the positive and assured nature of the statement.

maintain with insistence

Suggests a persistent and perhaps unwavering stance.

profess with assurance

Implies a claim of knowledge or skill.

contend with vigor

Highlights the energy and forcefulness of the argument.

allege with determination

Emphasizes the resolve to make the claim, often against opposition.

attest with authority

Suggests the speaker has expertise or official capacity.

avow with sincerity

Highlights the genuine and heartfelt nature of the statement.

aver with definiteness

Focuses on the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the assertion.

FAQs

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

"Assert with" is used to express a claim or statement along with the manner in which it is expressed. For example, "She can "assert with conviction" that the inspiration was not Judith Krantz."

What can I say instead of "assert with"?

Alternatives to "assert with" include "state with", "claim with", "declare with", or "affirm with", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "assert with confidence" or "state with confidence"?

While both are grammatically correct, "state with confidence" is generally preferred because it is more direct and less verbose. "Assert with" is acceptable but might sound slightly awkward to some readers.

What is the difference between "assert with certainty" and "claim with certainty"?

"Assert with certainty" and "claim with certainty" are similar, but "assert" often implies a stronger and more forceful declaration than "claim". Both suggest a high degree of confidence in the statement.