brandish with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brandish with" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
Typically, "brandish" is used without a preposition, meaning to wave or flourish something, especially a weapon, in a threatening or dramatic manner. Example: "He brandished his sword in front of the crowd, demanding their attention."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

There are precedents for such reclaiming — pejorative words like "queer" and even "slut," for instance, which their targets have taken over and brandished with pride.

The New Yorker

Such loyalties to centuries-old teams from across the pond are, necessarily, partly fabricated – and yet they are brandished with an almost excessive zeal.

The Guardian - Sport

The statement that a minority is terrorising a majority into submission - another claim brandished with no evidence - has an incredible effect on the audience.

The Guardian - Opinion

McShane pulls it off, but some padding in his costume and some cumbersome weight on the cane that he brandishes with a majorette's aplomb wouldn't go amiss.

The New Yorker

It is full of thematic colour-coded spreads inside, each election issue brandished with a hashtag – reminding us, like your dad at the disco, that this is the party for the yoof.

The Guardian

Like wings or drumsticks, thighs can be brandished with one hand, but more important they offer the perfect mix of light and dark meat in about four or five good bites.

The New York Times - Food

It makes you lament the decline of the kind of language brandished with Shakespearean eloquence by Dalton Trumbo, the blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter, in his witty, impassioned letters excerpted in the movie.

The New York Times

Endorsements from gun-rights advocacy organizations were brandished with gusto on the debate stage on Thursday, with Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Chris Christie, Marco Rubio and Donald Trump dueling over who would do more to protect the second amendment rights of Americans concerned about their access to firearms.

The Guardian

Within 10 seconds of the film, Mat introduces himself, while brandishing with pride a "quadruple espresso".

Huffington Post

Consciousness is confusing, at times it seemed that every available surface was brandished with Mickey the Trojan mouse.

Huffington Post

Everything from the bride's dress to the elephant carrying a "just married" sign (their getaway transportation) to the groom's swim trunks on the honeymoon will be brandished with company logos.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using "brandish" without the preposition "with" for a more grammatically accepted and impactful expression. For example, instead of "brandishing a knife with aggression", say "brandishing a knife aggressively".

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary prepositions after "brandish". The verb itself implies a forceful or demonstrative display, making "with" redundant and grammatically awkward.

Linguistic Context

Brandish" functions primarily as a verb indicating the act of waving or displaying something, often a weapon or an object, in a dramatic or threatening way. The addition of "with" doesn't align with standard usage, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brandish with" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. "Brandish" alone sufficiently conveys the act of waving or displaying something dramatically. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's more appropriate to use "brandish" without "with" or to use alternatives like "display prominently" or "wave around" if a prepositional phrase is needed. Using an adverb to modify "brandish" is also a grammatically sound option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wield

Focuses on control and readiness for use, often implying a weapon or tool.

display prominently

Emphasizes visibility but may lack the aggression or intent implied by "brandish with".

flourish

Suggests a dramatic or showy gesture, which might not align with the serious intent behind "brandish with".

wave around

Suggests a less formal, more casual movement than "brandish with".

flaunt

Implies showing off something with pride, which may not always be present in the context of "brandish with".

show off

Indicates an intent to impress, a nuance not always present when using "brandish with".

exhibit

Implies a formal or deliberate display, differing from the potentially spontaneous act of "brandish with".

hold up

Describes the action of lifting something to be seen, lacking the implied threat or emphasis of "brandish with".

bear

Suggests carrying or supporting something, which may not involve the act of displaying it assertively.

sport

Indicates wearing or displaying something with pride, a connotation not always applicable to "brandish with".

FAQs

How is "brandish" typically used in a sentence?

The verb "brandish" usually stands alone to describe the act of waving or displaying something aggressively or ostentatiously. For example, "He "brandished the sword"." Adding "with" is often grammatically incorrect.

What are some alternatives to "brandish with"?

While "brandish with" is not standard, you can use alternatives like "display prominently", "wave around", or simply use "brandish" followed by an adverb to describe the manner.

Is it correct to say "brandish with pride"?

It's more common and grammatically sound to say "brandish proudly". The adverb modifies the verb directly, expressing the manner of brandishing.

What does it mean to "brandish" something?

"Brandish" means to wave or flourish something, especially a weapon, in a menacing or excited manner. It implies a bold and often dramatic display intended to impress or intimidate.