defend a cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defend a cause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing advocacy, support, or justification for a particular belief, principle, or movement. Example: "Many activists dedicate their lives to defend a cause they believe in, fighting for justice and equality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They pretend to defend a cause but have no solutions.

The Guardian

The odd thing about concerted action, when a number of people close ranks and link up to defend a cause, or to utter a cry for change, is how often one voice, for all the force of that communal intent, stands out from the hubbub.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"They are people defending a cause by sacrificing with their souls, and this is the highest level of noble resistance, " he said, stressing that the death of civilians was regrettable.

The New York Times - Books

For them to engage in spending more money to defend a lost cause would be unfortunate to say the least".

The Guardian - Money

They progressed in order to defend a noble cause … to finally liberate us. 3.06pm BST Flags from all the 19 countries attending today's ceremony are now being paraded at Ouistreham.

The Guardian

When deciding how best to defend a legitimate cause, a person must give thought to the appropriate strategy to adopt.

SEP

He once spoke continuously for over 24 hours, but today we remember that he did so to defend an odious cause -- segregation, the rancid apartheid of the American South.

Huffington Post

But Mather and Edwards were defending a doomed cause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Michael Ayton Durham The rethink of Radio 3 whereby composers would be put in charge of the station reminded me of a rearguard heroically defending a lost cause.

The Guardian

Although Mr. Lippestad acknowledged that he was courting professional suicide by taking the case, the Norwegian public — and even survivors of Mr. Breivik's rampage — appear to accept that he was defending a higher cause than that of the self-confessed killer.

The New York Times

This is where some of the best dreams and desires for jazz in America, neither commercial nor bohemian, come out in a burst: jazz is a cause to defend, a collective memory, a spiritual thing, a Harlem thing.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defend a cause", ensure that your writing clearly indicates the specific cause being defended and the reasons for doing so. Providing context strengthens the argument and makes your position more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "defend a cause" without specifying what that cause is. Ambiguity weakens your statement. Instead of saying 'They defend a cause', specify: 'They defend the cause of environmental conservation'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defend a cause" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of actively supporting, advocating for, or protecting a particular belief, principle, or movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defend a cause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies actively supporting and advocating for a particular belief or movement. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and applicable in various writing contexts. It is commonly found in news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, always specify the cause being defended. Alternatives such as "advocate for a cause" or "champion a cause" can be used to add nuance to your writing. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advocate for a cause

This alternative is similar but emphasizes active support and promotion of the cause.

champion a cause

This alternative suggests a strong, enthusiastic support for the cause, often implying leadership.

support a cause

This is a more general term, indicating backing or approval of the cause without necessarily implying active involvement.

stand up for a cause

This implies taking a public and firm position in defense of the cause, often against opposition.

fight for a cause

This suggests a more active and potentially confrontational approach to defending the cause.

promote a cause

This emphasizes raising awareness and encouraging others to support the cause.

espouse a cause

This is a more formal term, indicating adoption or endorsement of the cause.

plead for a cause

This suggests making an emotional appeal to support the cause.

uphold a cause

This implies maintaining or defending the principles of the cause.

take up a cause

This suggests adopting and actively promoting a particular cause.

FAQs

What does it mean to "defend a cause"?

To "defend a cause" means to support, advocate for, and protect a particular belief, principle, or movement, often in the face of opposition. It involves actively standing up for what you believe in and working to promote its acceptance or success.

What can I say instead of "defend a cause"?

You can use alternatives like "advocate for a cause", "champion a cause", or "support a cause" depending on the context.

How to use "defend a cause" in a sentence?

You can use "defend a cause" in sentences like: "Many activists dedicate their lives to defend a cause they believe in"; or "He chose to defend the cause of freedom of speech despite facing criticism".

What's the difference between "defend a cause" and "support a cause"?

"Defend a cause" implies a more active and potentially confrontational approach, suggesting you are protecting it from attack or opposition. "Support a cause" is more general, indicating backing or approval without necessarily implying active defense.