defend its right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defend its right" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the justification or entitlement of an individual or group to assert or protect a particular right or privilege. Example: "The organization decided to defend its right to free speech in the face of increasing censorship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Even if the zoo wasn't seeking to create an international provocation, it had made a bold public-relations decision: it would defend its right to kill a giraffe by showing itself to be unembarrassed about killing a giraffe.

The New Yorker

Jefferson might have added, what government preserves legitimacy if it does not resist the protests against it, if it does not defend its right to govern by virtue of election?

Huffington Post

Last week, HarperCollins said it would "vigorously defend" its right to publish the book, adding it was "disappointed that the BBC has chosen to spend licence fee payers' money to suppress this book".

BBC

However, HarperCollins said it would "vigorously defend" its right to publish the book, adding it was "disappointed that the BBC has chosen to spend licence fee payers' money to suppress this book".

BBC

HarperCollins said it would "vigorously defend" its right to publish the book.

BBC

The Welsh Rugby Union welcomed the IRB ruling, saying it had to defend its right to designate its Under-20s as their second senior national team and that it had acted properly regards the player.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It doesn't need others outside it to defend its rights or protect its interests.

The New York Times - Magazine

PPG, a paint and coatings maker based in Pittsburgh, said it would defend its rights under the sale agreement reached in September.

The New York Times

A week later, Anheuser-Busch sent letters to some of its domestic competitors informing them that it would defend its rights should any of them negotiate a deal with Major League Baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

But Centamin said the recommendations do not address the merits of its appeal, which will be heard on 19 June, and it would continue to defend its rights.

The Guardian - Business

It has said it will take "all necessary measures to defend its rights".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defend its right", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to and what specific right is being defended. Clarity avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "defend its right" when the claim is not genuinely threatened or lacks a legitimate basis. Overusing the phrase can weaken your argument and make it seem less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defend its right" functions as a verb phrase, where "defend" is the verb and "its right" is the object, indicating an action taken to protect an entitlement. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, from zoos defending controversial decisions to organizations protecting freedoms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defend its right" is commonly used to express the act of protecting an entitlement or privilege. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its frequent appearance in news and media sources. While the phrase is generally appropriate, careful attention should be paid to the strength and legitimacy of the claim being defended. Alternatives like "assert its entitlement" or "uphold its prerogative" can provide nuance depending on the specific context. Overall, "defend its right" is a versatile and reliable phrase when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assert its entitlement

Emphasizes a confident declaration of a right or claim, rather than necessarily defending it against opposition. It changes the focus from defense to a proactive declaration.

uphold its prerogative

Highlights the maintenance and support of a special right or privilege unique to a particular position or entity. It changes the tone toward emphasizing a unique right.

safeguard its entitlement

Stresses the protective measures taken to ensure the security of a right, suggesting a proactive approach to preventing infringement. It shifts the perspective to protective actions.

protect its claim

Focuses on defending a specific assertion or demand, which might not yet be fully established or recognized as a right. It changes the focus from a guaranteed right to a contested claim.

vindicate its privilege

Implies clearing a privilege from doubt or accusation, often involving demonstrating its legitimacy or justification. It shifts the connotation to a justification of right.

maintain its access

Highlights the continuous availability and usability of a resource or opportunity, focusing on preventing obstruction rather than defending a right. It changes the context toward the protection of access.

preserve its authority

Emphasizes the act of keeping power or control intact, focusing on resisting challenges to dominance or influence. It shifts the meaning to maintaining power.

secure its advantage

Focuses on ensuring an upper hand or favorable position is firmly established, which may or may not involve explicit rights. It changes the focus to competitive advantage.

fight for its cause

Highlights the struggle and advocacy for a principle, belief, or objective, rather than a specific, legally recognized right. It shifts the meaning to defending a cause.

champion its cause

Implies active support and advocacy for a cause, suggesting a more public and visible effort to promote its acceptance and success. It focuses on active promotion.

FAQs

How can I use "defend its right" in a sentence?

Use "defend its right" when an entity is actively protecting or asserting a justified entitlement. For example, "The organization decided to "defend its right" to free speech in the face of censorship."

What are some alternatives to "defend its right"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "assert its entitlement", "uphold its prerogative", or "safeguard its entitlement".

When is it appropriate to use "defend its right"?

It's appropriate when an entity faces a genuine threat to a legitimate entitlement or privilege and needs to actively protect it. Avoid using it for minor or unjustified claims.

What's the difference between "defend its right" and "fight for its cause"?

"Defend its right" implies protecting an established, legitimate entitlement, while "fight for its cause" suggests advocating for a principle or belief that may not be universally recognized as a right.