defended that he

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defended that he" is not correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used incorrectly as it lacks a proper structure; "defended" should be followed by a direct object or a clause that explains what is being defended. Example: "He defended that he was innocent in the court." (This should be rephrased for clarity.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When Alexander the Great tried to seize Halicarnassus, the ancient capital of the region (now the town of Bodrum), he found it so well defended that he was forced to ask for the only truce of his conquering campaign.

The New York Times - Travel

He defended that he would not have any business-related contact with them while he serves as president.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"And you don't even defend that," he said.

The New York Times

"People were turning to the Taliban because of the corruption, and we couldn't defend that," he told the Vancouver Sun in 2012.

Vice

He defended that choice by arguing that he was trying to be fair to customers who bought season tickets.

Forbes

He defended that bad decision by saying he did not want those suits to "clog up the legal system".

The New York Times

He has defended that vote but has since said he is "willing to see changes in the provision".

The Guardian

He defended that title for two years.

The New York Times - Sports

He successfully defended that title in the following three years.

Wikipedia

"Sharks do not exhibit what animal behaviorists call true territorial behavior, which is occupying a specific area and defending that area," he said.

The New Yorker

Defending that decision, he said: "They voted for the policies that UKIP have, and those policies I can best deliver from the Conservative Party".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "defended that he" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives like "argued that he" or "maintained that he".

Common error

The word "defended" typically needs a direct object, not a 'that' clause directly following it. Instead of saying "defended that he", specify what was being defended. For instance, say "He defended his actions by stating..." or "He defended his decision..." This adds clarity and grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defended that he" functions as a reporting verb introducing a clause. However, Ludwig AI indicates it's not considered standard English. The verb "defended" typically requires a direct object specifying what is being defended, making the 'that' clause awkward.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defended that he" is used to report someone's justification, but it is considered grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI analysis suggests it lacks proper structure, and clearer alternatives such as "argued that he" or "maintained that he" are preferable. While it appears in some news contexts, it should be avoided in formal writing for improved clarity and grammatical correctness. It's essential to specify what was being defended rather than directly following "defended" with a 'that' clause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

argued that he

Replaces "defended" with "argued", focusing on presenting a case rather than defending against an attack.

maintained that he

Emphasizes a consistent and unwavering stance.

asserted that he

Highlights a confident and forceful declaration.

contended that he

Suggests a position taken in opposition to another viewpoint.

claimed that he

Indicates a declaration that may be disputed or require verification.

justified his action by saying

Focuses on the act of providing reasons or explanations for an action.

explained his decision by saying

Highlights the process of clarifying the reasoning behind a decision.

stated that he

Offers a neutral way to report someone's position, without implying defense.

insisted that he

Implies a strong and persistent declaration, often in the face of opposition.

reasoned that he

Emphasizes the logical process behind a statement or belief.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "defended that he"?

Instead of "defended that he", consider using alternatives like "argued that he", "asserted that he", or "maintained that he" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness.

Is the phrase "defended that he" grammatically correct?

The phrase "defended that he" is often considered grammatically awkward. It is more appropriate to use phrases such as "argued that he" or specify what was being defended directly, for example, "He defended his decision by saying...".

How can I use "defended" correctly in a sentence?

To use "defended" correctly, ensure it has a direct object. For example, "He defended his thesis" or "He defended his client." Avoid using "defended that he" directly; rephrase for clarity.

What's the difference between "defended that he" and "argued that he"?

While both phrases involve presenting a viewpoint, "argued that he" simply means presenting a case, while "defended that he" (though less grammatically sound) suggests protecting a position against opposition. Often, "argued that he" is a better, clearer choice.