firm defence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "firm defence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a strong or resolute protection or argument in favor of something. Example: "The lawyer presented a firm defence of her client's actions, emphasizing the lack of evidence against him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Gone is the firm defence of globalisation.

The Economist

2. President-Elect Jair Bolsonaro has stated time and again his unwavering commitment to this very constitution and his firm defence of the rule of law.

The Guardian

Tim Farron will signal that he is prepared to go back into coalition with the Tories as he mounts a firm defence of Nick Clegg's record in government, in his first party conference address as leader of the Liberal Democrats.

The Guardian

On Monday night, Cameron launched a firm defence of the scheme as a way to help "people who can afford the monthly mortgage payments but haven't got rich parents and can't pay the deposit up front".

The Guardian - Money

On Monday night, the prime minister launched a firm defence of the scheme as a way to help "people who can afford the monthly mortgage payments but haven't got rich parents and can't pay the deposit up front".

The Guardian - Money

Alas, a firm defence of the record, in defiance of forgetting, might be a tricky operation for a government known to have withheld email exchanges (from Leveson) and smothered unwelcome reports, and for a party chairman, Grant Shapps, who recently obliterated whole websites created by one of his alter egos, the dashing entrepreneur "Michael Green".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And so it takes another typographer to mount a firmer defence of Comic Sans.

The Guardian - Arts

"No-one really quite knows how the sausage is made," says Mr Caudill, whose work includes testing firms' defences though "ethical hacking".

BBC

But the Djoker stands firm; his defence is impeccable.

The Guardian - Sport

Hughes also tested the goalkeeper but Sunderland were too firm in defence.

Independent

Asked about being seen as that supposedly rare thing, an intelligent footballer, Lineker is firm in defence of his colleagues.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "firm defence" when you want to emphasize the strength and unwavering nature of a defense or argument. It conveys a sense of resoluteness and reliability.

Common error

While "firm defence" is grammatically correct, it may sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "strong defense" or "good protection" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firm defence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "firm" modifies the noun "defence". It describes the quality or characteristic of the defense being presented or enacted. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "firm defence" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe a strong and unwavering defense. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its usage is more common in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. For more informal settings, consider using alternatives like "strong defense" or "solid defence". When you want to emphasize resoluteness and reliability, "firm defence" is an appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong defense

Replaces "firm" with "strong", indicating a solid and robust protection.

solid defence

Substitutes "firm" with "solid", suggesting a reliable and unwavering protection.

resolute defense

Replaces "firm" with "resolute", highlighting the determination and unwavering nature of the defense.

staunch defence

Uses "staunch" instead of "firm", emphasizing loyalty and commitment to the defense.

vigorous defense

Replaces "firm" with "vigorous", suggesting an energetic and forceful defense.

robust defense

Substitutes "firm" with "robust", implying a healthy and resilient defense.

unwavering support

Shifts the focus from defense to support, but retains the sense of steadfastness.

steadfast protection

Changes both words, but maintains the core meaning of reliable safeguarding.

impregnable barrier

Emphasizes the strength and impenetrability of the defensive barrier.

unyielding resistance

Focuses on the aspect of resistance, highlighting the inflexibility of the defense.

FAQs

How can I use "firm defence" in a sentence?

You might say, "The lawyer presented a "firm defence" of her client's actions", or "The team put up a "firm defence" against the opposing team's attacks".

What are some alternatives to "firm defence"?

You can use alternatives like "strong defense", "solid defence", or "resolute defense" depending on the context.

Is "firm defense" the same as "strong defense"?

While similar, "firm defence" often implies a sense of unwavering commitment and resoluteness, whereas "strong defense" simply indicates a high level of effectiveness.

When is it appropriate to use "firm defence" in writing?

"Firm defence" is suitable for formal writing, news reports, legal documents, or any context where a strong and unwavering defense needs to be emphasized. Be mindful of using alternatives in more informal contexts.