defend the cause of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defend the cause of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing advocacy or support for a particular issue or principle. Example: "She decided to defend the cause of environmental protection." Alternative expressions include "support the cause of" and "champion the cause of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The attack, he said in another pronouncement, was "to support and defend the cause of the oppressed".

The New York Times

You, too, can provide assistance and defend the cause of all those who fight for one of the pillars of democracy, freedom of information.

The Guardian

But if we withdrew, I do think that Britain would find it much to defend the cause of human rights in Belarus, say.

The Economist

"I don't know who appointed you to defend the cause of the Negro," Judge Murray said to the 35 students, all but 3 of whom were white, according to The Associated Press.

The New York Times

We must, as a matter of principle, stand up to defend the cause of the immigrant.

Huffington Post

Also Psalm 82: "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Of calling to defend the causes of the Islamic nation?" A contrasting version of Mr. Awlaki's story, explored though never confirmed by the national Sept. 11 commission, maintains that he was a secret agent of Al Qaeda starting well before the attacks, when three of the hijackers turned up at his mosques.

The New York Times

Ronsard eloquently defended the cause of Catholic reform against the Protestant Reformers and their aristocratic allies in his Discours (1562 63).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each year a new crop of books is published, many sustaining the heroic anti-fascist myth of militiamen and the International Brigades defending the cause of democracy and the Spanish republic against Francisco Franco's brutal army, backed by Hitler and Mussolini.

The Economist

When the Judge checked him and ordered the remark stricken off the records, he showed a remarkable lack of deference to the Court, but again in such a way that many people might have thought that he was defending the cause of justice and democracy.

The New Yorker

He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defend the cause of", ensure that the cause is clearly defined and universally understood, as ambiguity can weaken the statement.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "defend the cause of" in emotionally charged or biased contexts; consider more neutral alternatives like "support" or "promote" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defend the cause of" functions as a verb phrase expressing active support and advocacy for a specific person, group, belief, or principle. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, indicating its versatility in expressing commitment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defend the cause of" is a phrase used to express active support and advocacy for a specific person, group, belief, or principle. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and generally acceptable. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, it is also found in encyclopedias and wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the cause and consider the emotional context to avoid potential bias. Alternatives such as "champion the cause of" or "support the interests of" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

champion the cause of

Emphasizes enthusiastic and public support.

support the interests of

Focuses on actively promoting the benefits of a particular group or entity.

advocate for the rights of

Specifically relates to promoting and protecting legal or moral entitlements.

stand up for the principles of

Highlights moral conviction and active resistance against opposition.

fight for the sake of

Implies a struggle or active effort to achieve a goal.

promote the agenda of

Focuses on advancing a specific set of plans or objectives.

uphold the values of

Highlights the preservation and maintenance of important beliefs.

back the campaign for

Focuses on providing assistance and endorsement to an organized effort.

bolster the movement for

Emphasizes strengthening and reinforcing a collective action.

protect the tenets of

Implies guarding and shielding fundamental doctrines or beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "defend the cause of" in a sentence?

You can use "defend the cause of" to show support for a particular belief or group. For example, "She decided to defend the cause of animal rights".

What is a good alternative to "defend the cause of"?

Alternatives include "champion the cause of", "support the interests of", or "advocate for the rights of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "defend the cause of" or "support the cause of"?

"Defend the cause of" suggests a more active and potentially combative stance, while "support the cause of" implies a more general endorsement. The best choice depends on the intended level of commitment and action.

What does it mean to "defend the cause of" someone or something?

To "defend the cause of" means to actively support and advocate for a particular person, group, belief, or principle, especially when it faces opposition or criticism.