commitment to defend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commitment to defend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a promise or obligation to protect or support someone or something, often in a legal, military, or personal context. Example: "The treaty includes a commitment to defend allied nations in the event of an attack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We are bound by solemn commitment to defend one another.

The New York Times

The reason for this was the empire's renewed commitment to defend Italy from the Rhine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But America's commitment to defend Europe is undermined by the Europeans' tendency to freeload, which American taxpayers resent.

The Economist

One author advocates high tariffs against Chinese exports and an unambiguous American commitment to defend Taiwan if China attacks.

The Economist

Etched in each side's mind are intense fears and emotions and a deep-seated commitment to defend their people's interests.

Yale University

"Nato's security guarantee is treaty commitment and all allies have made... a solemn commitment to defend each other.

The Guardian

"I declare my steadfast commitment to defend my innocence against my accusers in the proper venue of our constitutional process".

The New York Times

A missile defense would be destabilizing as well as unnecessary -- Washington's commitment to defend Taiwan's security is already quite credible.

The New York Times

Their unusual presence was meant to reaffirm the United States' commitment to defend its ally, officials in South Korea said.

The New York Times

The U.S. military presence in Germany was meant to anchor an American commitment to defend Europe against Soviet invasion.

The Washington Post

They hoped that a permanent American military presence in their countries meant a stronger commitment to defend their territory than the paper guarantee offered by NATO.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commitment to defend", ensure that the object of defense is clearly stated. For example, specify the entity or principle being defended to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "commitment to defend" in situations where the resources or capabilities to effectively defend are lacking. Overstating a commitment without realistic means can damage credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commitment to defend" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object, typically followed by a direct object specifying what is being defended. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commitment to defend" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression denoting a firm intention or obligation to protect something. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its versatility across various registers. While alternatives like "pledge to protect" or "obligation to safeguard" exist, "commitment to defend" effectively conveys a sense of duty and readiness to act. When using this phrase, clarity regarding the object of defense and realistic assessment of capabilities are crucial for maintaining credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pledge to protect

Emphasizes a formal promise or assurance of protection.

obligation to safeguard

Highlights a duty or responsibility to ensure safety and security.

determination to shield

Focuses on a firm decision and resolve to provide protection.

resolve to uphold

Stresses a firm intention to maintain or defend a principle or agreement.

vow to secure

Highlights a solemn promise to make something safe or certain.

agreement to preserve

Focuses on the mutual understanding to maintain something in its original state.

assurance to guard

Highlights a confident declaration of protection.

intent to preserve

Emphasizes the planned course of action to conserve something.

devotion to protect

Highlights the strong affection and dedication to protecting something.

readiness to secure

Stresses the state of being prepared to guarantee safety.

FAQs

How can I use "commitment to defend" in a sentence?

You can use "commitment to defend" to show a promise or obligation to protect something. For example: "The nation has a strong "commitment to defend" its borders."

What are some alternatives to "commitment to defend"?

Alternatives include "pledge to protect", "obligation to safeguard", or "resolve to uphold" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "commitment to defend" or "commitment to defending"?

"Commitment to defend" is generally preferred when followed by a noun or noun phrase. "Commitment to defending" is grammatically correct but less common. For example: "commitment to defend freedom" versus "commitment to defending freedom".

What's the difference between "commitment to defend" and "intent to defend"?

"Commitment to defend" implies a firm promise or obligation, while "intent to defend" suggests a purpose or plan without necessarily a binding promise. The former conveys a stronger sense of duty.