defending her

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defending her" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of protecting or supporting someone, typically in a situation where they are being criticized or attacked. Example: "He was defending her during the heated debate, ensuring that her perspective was heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ms. King may have been shot while defending her brother.

The New York Times

Ms. Bresch's employer issued a statement defending her.

The New York Times

"I believe in science," says Chapman, defending her atheism.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Defending her position, May pumped up the scare factor.

The Guardian

"We are defending her wholeheartedly," Mr. Lynch said.

The New York Times

"The nerves was there for sure," she said of the pressure of defending her title.

The New York Times

Without quite defending her subject, Sebba provides some background for Wallis's actions by retracing her beginnings.

The New York Times - Books

Clijsters is now back, defending her United States Open title in New York beginning this week.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some Republicans question devoting money and other resources to defending her next year.

The New York Times

She, too, had to waste most of the "debate" time defending her own right to exist.

Independent

By the evening's end, Huffington seemed to be defending her website more than promoting it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defending her" when you want to convey the idea of actively protecting someone's reputation, actions, or beliefs from criticism or attack. Consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "defending her" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced terms like "advocating for her" or "supporting her position" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defending her" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a larger verb phrase to describe an ongoing action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its role in describing active protection or support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defending her" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the action of protecting or supporting a female individual, particularly when she is under scrutiny or attack. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely accepted and used across diverse contexts. While its formality is generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "advocating for her" might be preferred in academic or professional settings. The phrase is predominantly found in news and media sources. Remember to consider the specific context and intended nuance when using "defending her" to ensure it accurately conveys your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protecting her

Focuses on the act of shielding someone from harm or criticism.

standing up for her

Emphasizes support and advocacy, often in the face of opposition.

supporting her

A general term for providing assistance or encouragement.

advocating for her

Suggests active and public support, often in a formal setting.

championing her

Implies enthusiastic and vocal support.

backing her up

Suggests providing assistance, especially in a challenging situation.

sticking up for her

An informal way to say supporting someone when they are being criticized.

vindicating her

Focuses on proving someone's innocence or rightness after doubt.

justifying her

Emphasizes providing reasons or explanations to support someone's actions.

shielding her

Highlights the act of protecting someone from negative consequences or scrutiny.

FAQs

How can I use "defending her" in a sentence?

You can use "defending her" to describe someone protecting another person's actions or reputation. For instance, "He was "defending her" choices, even though he didn't agree with them."

What are some alternatives to "defending her"?

Alternatives include "supporting her", "standing up for her", or "protecting her", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "defending her" in formal writing?

While "defending her" is generally acceptable, more formal options like "advocating for her" or "justifying her" might be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "defending her" and "protecting her"?

"Defending her" often implies verbal or argumentative support, whereas ""protecting her"" suggests shielding her from harm, both physical and emotional.