be defended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be defended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the need for something to be protected or justified, often in legal or argumentative situations. Example: "Every individual has the right to be defended in a court of law, regardless of the charges against them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not everything can be defended".

The New York Times - Science

This tendency can be defended.

The Economist

This, too, can be defended.

The New Yorker

Those acts cannot be defended.

The New Yorker

They need to be defended".

The New York Times - Arts

Should it be defended or denounced?

The New York Times - Books

On what grounds should he be defended?

The Guardian - Opinion

Certain "core interests" must be defended.

The New Yorker

Such judge's discretion needs to be defended.

The Guardian - Opinion

It must be defended, implemented and promoted.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Everyone has a right to be defended".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be defended", ensure that the subject requiring defense is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The position must be defended", specify "The company's market position must be defended".

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "be defended". While grammatically correct, excessive use can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Actively construct sentences where appropriate to strengthen your message. Instead of saying "The policy will be defended by the committee", consider "The committee will defend the policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be defended" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. This indicates that the subject of the sentence receives the action of defending, rather than performing it. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts where protection, justification, or support are required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Sport

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be defended" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb construction that indicates the necessity for protection, justification, or support. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. When writing with "be defended", be sure to provide a clear subject and avoid overuse of the passive voice. Alternatives such as "be protected" or "be justified" may provide a more nuanced meaning depending on the context. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to ensure correct and effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be protected

Focuses more on safeguarding from harm or damage, rather than argumentative support.

be justified

Shifts the focus to proving the validity or righteousness of something.

be supported

Emphasizes the act of providing assistance or approval.

be upheld

Highlights maintaining or defending a principle or decision.

be maintained

Suggests keeping something in its current state or condition.

be advocated

Implies active promotion or support for a cause or idea.

be championed

Suggests acting as a strong and vocal supporter.

be safeguarded

Focuses specifically on preventing harm or loss.

be vindicated

Highlights clearing someone or something from blame or suspicion.

be preserved

Emphasizes maintaining something for future use or appreciation.

FAQs

How can I use "be defended" in a sentence?

You can use "be defended" to indicate something needs protection or justification. For example, "Every citizen has the right to "be defended" in court", or "The company's reputation must "be defended" against false accusations".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "be defended"?

Alternatives include "be protected", "be justified", or "be supported", depending on the specific context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it better to say "be defended" or "defend"?

The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action being done to something (passive: "be defended") or the action being done by someone (active: "defend"). For example, "The city must "be defended"" (passive) versus "The army must "defend" the city" (active).

What does it mean when something "cannot be defended"?

When something "cannot "be defended"", it means there are no reasonable arguments or justifications to support it. It might be morally wrong, logically flawed, or factually incorrect.