does not defend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not defend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating that someone or something fails to provide a defense or justification for a particular action or statement. Example: "The article presents several arguments, but it does not defend its main thesis effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

5 The Government does not defend the nondisclosure of Doe's identity with respect to Count 1, which charged a sale of heroin to John Doe, but it attempts to sustain the judgment on the basis of the conviction on Count 2, charging illegal transportation of narcotics.

Cornell University

The DOE Deputy heard first hand that Dr. Ravitch does not defend the status quo.

HuffPost

Maybe the team's defense does not defend.

The New York Times

The plant does not defend the nectar.

The New Yorker

He does not defend the Revolution & does not attack it.

The New Yorker

Mr. Berkowitz does not defend the brand choice he inherited.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"He doesn't defend Serbia or Serbs.

The New York Times

"As I read it, he doesn't defend abortion specifically.

The Washington Post

The counter site doesn't defend any of those institutions.

BBC

"He probably doesn't defend him.

Huffington Post

Do not defend that one there.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject performing the action of "does not defend" is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "does not defend" when you actually mean that something is being actively attacked or undermined. "Does not defend" implies a passive lack of support, not an active opposition. For active opposition, use phrases like "actively undermines" or "openly attacks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not defend" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate a lack of support, justification, or protection. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not defend" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express a lack of support, justification, or protection. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific contexts underscores its widespread applicability. While semantically similar alternatives like "offers no defense" and "fails to protect" exist, "does not defend" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various registers. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in identifying the subject and avoid confusing it with active opposition. Overall, "does not defend" is a valuable tool for expressing nuanced perspectives in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offers no defense

Focuses on the lack of providing a means of protection or justification.

fails to protect

Emphasizes the inability to safeguard or shield something.

does not justify

Highlights the absence of a valid reason or excuse.

offers no support

Stresses the lack of assistance or backing.

cannot advocate

Indicates an inability to publicly support or recommend something.

refuses to endorse

Emphasizes a deliberate refusal to approve or support.

takes no position

Indicates a neutrality or lack of declared support or opposition.

does not uphold

Highlights a failure to maintain or support a principle or standard.

provides no validation

Focuses on the lack of confirmation or authentication.

is not an advocate for

Highlights the absence of promoting or defending something actively.

FAQs

How can I use "does not defend" in a sentence?

You can use "does not defend" to indicate a lack of support or justification for something. For example, "The government does not defend its current policies" or "The lawyer does not defend the suspect's actions".

What are some alternatives to "does not defend"?

Some alternatives include "offers no defense", "fails to protect", "does not justify", or "offers no support", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "do not defend" instead of "does not defend"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "do not defend" with plural subjects or the pronouns "I", "you", "we", and "they". Use "does not defend" with singular subjects (except "I" and "you") and the pronouns "he", "she", and "it".

What is the difference between "does not defend" and "opposes"?

"Does not defend" implies a lack of support or justification, while "opposes" suggests active resistance or antagonism. "Does not defend" is more passive, while "opposes" is more active. For example, if someone "does not defend" a policy, they simply don't support it. If they oppose it, they are actively working against it.