fighting back

USAGE SUMMARY

"fighting back" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means resisting or retaliating against an opponent or attack. Example: Despite being outnumbered, the soldiers kept fighting back fiercely against the enemy's relentless assault.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Easterners are fighting back.

The Economist

Companies are fighting back.

The New York Times

COMPETITORS are fighting back.

The New York Times

He wasn't fighting back tears.

The New York Times - Magazine

Well, Bridgewater is fighting back.

The New York Times

A few are fighting back.

The New York Times

Mr. LaPierre is fighting back.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, nature is fighting back.

The Economist

"I'm fighting back," he said.

The New York Times

However, Herbalife is fighting back.

The Economist

Some candidates are fighting back.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fighting back" to convey active resistance or retaliation against a perceived threat or injustice. It often implies a struggle and a determination to overcome adversity.

Common error

Avoid using "fighting back" when a simpler term like "resisting" or "opposing" is more appropriate. "Fighting back" implies a more active and forceful response than simply disagreeing or disliking something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fighting back" functions as a present participle, often used in continuous verb tenses to describe an ongoing action of resistance or retaliation. Ludwig examples show it's used to describe companies, nature, and individuals taking action against a perceived threat or challenge. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fighting back" is a versatile expression denoting active resistance or retaliation against an opposing force. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase conveys a sense of defiance and determination. For nuanced writing, consider alternatives such as "resisting", "retaliating", or "defending oneself". When employing "fighting back", ensure it reflects active opposition, and avoid overuse in passive situations. Remember to resist the common error of overusing it when simpler terms suffice. With these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "fighting back" into your writing to convey resilience and resolve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pushing back

Suggests resisting a force or pressure that is being applied.

retaliating

Suggests a direct response to an attack or provocation, often implying revenge.

striking back

Similar to retaliating, but can imply a more immediate and forceful response.

resisting

Implies opposing or withstanding something without necessarily implying aggressive action.

countering

Implies acting against something in order to reduce its effect or neutralize it.

standing up to

Implies confronting and resisting someone or something, often in a position of authority.

counterattacking

Indicates a response to an attack with an attack of one's own, often in a military or strategic context.

rebelling

Suggests open resistance to authority or control.

defending oneself

Emphasizes the act of protecting oneself from harm or attack.

opposing

Simply means being against something, without necessarily taking action.

FAQs

How can I use "fighting back" in a sentence?

You can use "fighting back" to describe resisting an opponent or overcoming a challenge. For example, "The team is "fighting back" after a tough loss".

What are some alternatives to "fighting back"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "resisting", "retaliating", or "defending oneself".

Is "fight back" or "fighting back" more appropriate?

"Fight back" is the base form of the verb, while "fighting back" is the present participle, used in continuous tenses or as a gerund. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence.

When is it better to use "pushing back" instead of "fighting back"?

"Pushing back" is often used to describe resisting a policy or decision, while "fighting back" can refer to more direct, physical or confrontational resistance. Consider using "pushing back" when the context involves opposing ideas or plans.