depose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depose" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to the act of giving sworn testimony or to remove someone from office or power. Example: "The attorney decided to depose the witness to gather more information for the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Amid warnings from Netanyahu to his supporters that he risks being voted out as prime minister – and his claims of the existence of a well-funded conspiracy involving Israeli leftists and foreign governments to depose him – Likud has spent the past few days targeting those intending to vote for the rival right-wing parties.

The Guardian

(One of the major figures who urged him to listen to the mining and business lobby and jettison that promise was the deputy who would later depose him).

The Guardian

He yearned for popular approval, even announcing that he met his second wife, a commoner, at Café Riche.The hapless king might also have met the man there who would eventually depose him.

The Economist

Second, France announced plans to depose the Spanish government, and the expectation that Spain would default caused further contagion.

The Economist

(Though that followed the failed "Bay of Pigs" effort in 1961 to depose Fidel Castro).The chivalrous spies represent another non-military means: were they to whisk Saddam away and were Iraq to submit to thorough UN arms inspections, Mr Bush would not need to contemplate a pre-emptive invasion, which would require, some generals say, up to 200,000 troops.

The Economist

(The ongoing mayhem has already boosted Mr Brown's ratings though in the end it may help to wreck Labour, by forestalling a move to depose the prime minister and ensuring that he stays in office to lead his party to defeat).

The Economist

This was too blatant even for the many Ecuadoreans who had been happy enough to see Congress depose Mr Bucaram and put in his place its own speaker, Fabian Alarcon.

The Economist

Now the party wolves are scenting blood and may go in for the kill.Before the DS grandees move to depose their party leader, they will try to secure the government.

The Economist

But if they really want to depose Mr Bush, either the Democrats or Dr Dean will have to change course and fast.

The Economist

Some have aimed to depose or punish a foreign country's ruler, appropriate its assets or sway its politics: witness, most recently, the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Economist

Some of his Labour colleagues started plotting to depose him; to defend himself, Mr Brown swallowed his pride and set out to show the doubters that he could feel the voters' pain while blaming it on somebody else.It didn't work: Labour continued to lose elections, and the plots intensified.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "depose" in the context of removing someone from power, ensure it accurately reflects the situation – whether through legal means, force, or other methods. The context will dictate the most appropriate nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "depose" in casual conversation where simpler terms like "remove" or "fire" would be more appropriate. "Depose" carries a formal and often political weight, making it sound out of place in everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "depose" is as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed on an object. This is supported by Ludwig examples where "depose" takes a direct object, such as "depose him" or "depose the prime minister". Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

37%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "depose" is correctly used to describe removing someone from power or giving testimony. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, indicating a formal to neutral register. When aiming for clarity, consider the specific context; alternatives like "oust" or "testify" might be more fitting depending on the situation. Avoid using "depose" in everyday conversation where simpler terms would suffice. Understanding these nuances will enhance the precision and appropriateness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oust

Implies forceful removal from a position, often in a political or organizational context; it is a more direct synonym.

remove from office

A more formal and explicit way of saying "depose", specifically referring to the removal of someone from an official position.

impeach

Refers to formally charging a public official with misconduct, which can lead to their removal from office.

overthrow

Suggests a more violent or revolutionary removal of a government or leader.

dethrone

Specifically refers to removing a monarch from their throne.

testify

Refers specifically to the meaning of giving evidence or testimony, especially in court.

give evidence

Similar to "testify", this alternative emphasizes the act of providing information in a formal setting.

force out

Indicates compelling someone to leave a position against their will.

supplant

Replace and take the position of (another).

take down

Suggests actively working to undermine someone's position and ultimately remove them.

FAQs

How is "depose" typically used in a sentence?

The word "depose" is generally used to describe the act of removing someone, especially a ruler or leader, from a position of power. For example: "The army moved to "depose" the dictator".

What's the difference between "depose" and "oust"?

"Depose" and "oust" are similar, but "depose" often implies a more formal or legal process of removal, while "oust" can suggest a more sudden or forceful removal.

When should I use "depose" versus "remove from office"?

"Depose" is often used when the removal is politically significant or involves a high-ranking figure. "Remove from office" is a more general and formal phrase that can apply to various positions and situations.

What are some alternatives to "depose" when referring to giving testimony?

When "depose" means to give testimony, alternatives include "testify", "give evidence", or provide a "sworn statement".