espouse

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'espouse' is correct and usable in written English.
It means to support or advocate a cause, idea, etc. Example sentence: He espoused a vegan lifestyle for its positive environmental impacts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are no values that I can espouse as a humanist that are anti-female, but there are a number of values of feminism that are alien to me – such as the notion that equality is more important than opportunity and choice, and that it can be legislated.

The Guardian - Opinion

This pair who now espouse the global rights of women were perfectly prepared to trample over those they thought disposable.

The Guardian - Opinion

In opposition the Tories began considering the policy on Muslims, which critics say risks branding many as extremists even though they do not espouse violence.

The Guardian

They see activists, and the revolutionary change they espouse, as anarchistic and alien.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Only if we were really satisfied that by returning them to the respondent state they would be dealt with would we really espouse such a system".

The Guardian

He said: "This pattern of vicious attacks on secular and atheist writers not only silences the victims but also sends a chilling message to all in Bangladesh who espouse independent views on religious issues.

The Guardian

As for Barack Obama, we would call on him to espouse immigration reform by speaking to his fellow Americans in a way that does service to his country's principles, backed by data that speaks to their self-interest.If both our governments were to lead on these issues there would still be a lot of migration between the United States and Mexico.

The Economist

Fairtrade's price-adjustment mechanism is intended to insulate small producers from volatile commodity markets and the free-trading, no-holds-barred capitalism that multinational companies espouse.

The Economist

Since it's too early to judge President Obama's performance, we can't do a success comparison.DIA: Do you think Mr Obama encompasses most of the elements of good leadership that you espouse in your book?Mr Zinni: President Obama has many of the personal qualities I talk about in the book.

The Economist

If it can do this despite having a Republican Party base that puts things like access to "reparative therapy" for straightening out gay people in its platform, perhaps the beliefs Republican candidates are required to espouse around the country are not an insurmountable obstacle to good governance.

The Economist

That is the side she must espouse, for her own emancipation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "espouse" when you want to convey a formal and committed support for a cause or idea. It is stronger than simply 'supporting' something.

Common error

Avoid using "espouse" when a simpler verb like "support" or "believe in" would suffice. "Espouse" is best reserved for situations where the support is public, deliberate, and often involves advocacy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "espouse" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating the cause, belief, or idea being supported. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a verb, meaning to adopt or support something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "espouse" functions as a transitive verb indicating a committed support for a cause or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing. It is most frequently used in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts, suggesting a neutral-to-formal register. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "adopt", "embrace", or "advocate" to best match the intended nuance. Remember that "espouse" is best used when conveying a deliberate and active endorsement, and should not be confused with the noun "spouse". Keep this guidance in mind to effectively use "espouse" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopt

This alternative focuses on taking up or embracing something as one's own.

embrace

This alternative suggests a welcoming and enthusiastic acceptance of an idea or belief.

advocate

This term implies publicly supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy.

support

This word indicates providing assistance or approval to a cause or idea.

champion

This suggests defending or fighting for a cause or belief.

endorse

This implies giving official approval or support to something.

subscribe to

This means agreeing with or supporting a particular belief or set of ideas.

take up

This phrase indicates starting to support or practice a particular cause or belief.

stand for

This alternative means to represent or support a particular cause or idea.

promote

This suggests actively encouraging or furthering the progress of a cause or idea.

FAQs

How to use "espouse" in a sentence?

The word "espouse" is used to express the act of adopting or supporting a cause, belief, or way of life. For example, "The politician decided to "espouse" a platform of environmental reform."

What can I say instead of "espouse"?

You can use alternatives like "adopt", "embrace", or "advocate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "espouse" or "spouse"?

"Espouse" means to adopt or support a cause or belief, while "spouse" refers to a husband or wife. They are distinct words with different meanings and spellings.

What's the difference between "espouse" and "support"?

"Espouse" implies a more active and public endorsement of a cause, whereas "support" can be a more general term for approval or assistance. To ""espouse"" a belief suggests a strong, often vocal, commitment.