entrenches

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "entrenches" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of firmly establishing or reinforcing an idea, belief, or practice. Example: "The new policy entrenches the existing power dynamics within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Maria Miller, the families minister, said the problem with the current system was that it "entrenches conflict when families separate".

The Guardian

How can we reform a funding system that entrenches existing educational inequalities?

The Guardian

But the current system entrenches conflict when families separate".

The Guardian

The new farm bill entrenches this support and undoes all the other progress made in 1996.

The Economist

Many ECB officials hate the idea, because it entrenches regional thinking.

The Economist

It also further entrenches Democrats and Republicans in their opposing positions and thus less able to deal with either problem, not to mention any of the various other catastrophes threatening the global economy.A sensible fiscal plan would couple modest near-term stimulus with long-term reforms to entitlement spending and taxes.

The Economist

The law entrenches injustice: it risks rewarding people who used violence to obtain land, including large landholders who occupy almost 90% of the area under discussion.

The Economist

Don't lobby for any specific religious or secular regime but simply for basic respect of Article 18, the provision in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights which entrenches the freedom of religion.

The Economist

Implicitly, it does address it: cohesion is an explicit aim of the Union and subsidiarity is rendered null.The constitution also entrenches as law the Union's bizarre Charter of Fundamental Rights (according to which, for instance, free job-placement help is a fundamental right).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He worries that California's system of popular initiatives allows citizens to vote for whatever takes their fancy (more spending and lower taxes, for example) while its culture of hyper-partisanship entrenches paralysis.

The Economist

In its list of people facing criminal investigation, prison or even death for alleged blasphemy, the report mentions 10 countries in which Islam is the main religion and Greece, whose constitution entrenches Orthodox Christianity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "entrenches", consider the specific nuance you want to convey—whether it's about reinforcing existing structures, solidifying beliefs, or establishing something firmly. Choose synonyms carefully to match your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "entrenches" when a weaker verb like "supports" or "maintains" would be more appropriate. "Entrenches" implies a significant degree of stabilization or permanence that may not always be present.

Linguistic Context

The verb "entrenches" functions to describe the action of firmly establishing something, making it difficult to change or remove. It is primarily used to indicate that something is becoming deeply rooted or strongly fixed. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

22%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "entrenches" is used to express the act of firmly establishing or reinforcing something, making it resistant to change. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct. It's common in news, business, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal tone. Related terms include "solidifies" and "reinforces", each with nuances impacting their suitability. While frequent, avoid overuse in contexts where simple support is intended, as "entrenches" implies a degree of permanence. The wealth of examples that Ludwig provides showcase that "entrenches" is commonly employed across high-quality sources like The Economist and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solidifies

Implies making something firm or stable, emphasizing the strengthening aspect.

reinforces

Highlights the act of strengthening or supporting something that already exists.

establishes

Focuses on the act of setting something up firmly or on a permanent basis.

cements

Suggests a strong and lasting bond or fixation, often used metaphorically.

ingrains

Emphasizes the deep-rooted nature of the establishment, suggesting difficulty in removal.

embeds

Focuses on firmly placing something within a surrounding context or structure.

anchors

Implies securing something firmly in place, preventing it from being moved or changed.

fixes

Suggests making something stable or permanent, preventing alteration or removal.

hardens

Emphasizes making something more rigid or inflexible, resistant to change.

institutionalizes

Indicates making something a formal part of an organization or system.

FAQs

How can I use "entrenches" in a sentence?

The word "entrenches" is used to describe how something becomes firmly established and difficult to change. For example, "The new law "entrenches" the power of the ruling party".

What are some synonyms for "entrenches"?

Alternatives to "entrenches" include "solidifies", "reinforces", or "establishes". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "entrenches" formal or informal?

"Entrenches" is suitable for formal and neutral contexts. You might prefer a simpler word like "strengthens" in informal settings.

What's the difference between "entrenches" and "reinforces"?

"Entrenches" implies a more profound and lasting establishment than "reinforces". "Reinforces" suggests adding support to something already in place, while "entrenches" indicates making something deeply ingrained and resistant to change.