asserting their independence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asserting their independence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing individuals or groups who are claiming or establishing their autonomy or self-governance. Example: "The colonies were asserting their independence from British rule, seeking to establish their own government and rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Now, however, young people are asserting their independence.

The New York Times

Ranju and Malu are learning to accept the affection while asserting their independence.

The New York Times

The chiefs had become powerful and unruly, and the outlying provinces were asserting their independence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All band members, at one point or another, played improvisations asserting their independence.

The New York Times - Arts

With each beyond her 21st birthday, Venus and Serena have begun asserting their independence.

The New York Times - Sports

"They're going to have to try to square the circle; in other words, not bring down the government at the same time as asserting their independence".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Boards of directors are under constant pressure to assert their independence vis-à-vis chief executives.

The Economist

The new options can help solo travelers assert their independence while feeling less like loners.

The New York Times - Travel

Federal prosecutors may now be trying to assert their independence after that experience.

The New York Times

When women assert their independence, men's sense of self and identity can be threatened.

The Guardian - Opinion

As German-speaking lands asserted their independence from Rome, other forces were unleashed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "asserting their independence" when you want to emphasize a proactive and often forceful declaration or demonstration of autonomy. For example, in historical or political contexts, it suggests a deliberate act of breaking away from external control.

Common error

Avoid using "asserting their independence" when a more passive or gradual process of gaining independence is meant. Phrases like "gaining autonomy" or "developing self-reliance" might be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asserting their independence" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun in a sentence. It describes the action of actively claiming or establishing autonomy. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "asserting their independence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the action of proactively claiming or establishing autonomy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, particularly in news, historical accounts, and encyclopedic entries. Alternative phrases, like "establishing their autonomy" or "claiming their autonomy", can provide nuanced variations. When using this phrase, consider its active and declarative nature, and avoid overuse in contexts requiring a more passive tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establishing their autonomy

Focuses on the act of setting up self-governance.

claiming their autonomy

Highlights the act of demanding self-governance.

declaring their independence

Emphasizes a formal announcement of freedom.

exercising their freedom

Focuses on actively using the freedom they possess.

achieving self-determination

Highlights the process of gaining control over their own affairs.

taking control of their destiny

Emphasizes personal agency and future direction.

affirming their sovereignty

Highlights the act of confirming supreme power or authority.

establishing their own rule

Focuses on setting up a system of governance.

pursuing self-reliance

Emphasizes striving for independence and self-sufficiency.

carving out their own path

Focuses on creating a unique and independent course of action.

FAQs

How can I use "asserting their independence" in a sentence?

You can use "asserting their independence" to describe an action where individuals or groups are actively claiming their autonomy. For example: "The colonies were asserting their independence from British rule."

What is a good alternative to "asserting their independence"?

Alternatives include "establishing their autonomy", "claiming their autonomy", or "declaring their independence", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to assert independence?

To assert independence means to confidently and forcefully declare or demonstrate one's autonomy or freedom from external control. It implies a proactive and deliberate action to establish self-governance.

Which is more appropriate: "asserting their independence" or "gaining their independence"?

"Asserting their independence" implies a more forceful and declarative action, while "gaining their independence" suggests a more gradual process. The appropriate phrase depends on the specific context of the situation being described. If you need to describe a progressive shift rather than a particular, resolute declaration, consider "gaining their independence".