form of defence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "form of defence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing strategies or methods employed to protect oneself or something from harm or attack. Example: "In legal contexts, the insanity plea is often considered a controversial form of defence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The best form of defence is attack.

The Guardian

Is attack really the best form of defence?

Independent

Unsurprisingly, attack will be his form of defence.

Independent

Public money, in the form of defence spending and top-class research universities, made Silicon Valley.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's the ultimate example of attack being the best form of defence.

The Guardian - Sport

McCullum added: "We decided the best form of defence was for us to try and attack.

The Guardian - Sport

Attack is the best form of defence, or so Fleet Street has always believed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Spaniard clearly feels attack may be his side's best form of defence.

The Guardian - Sport

Attack remains Germany's best form of defence, as the Ghana game clearly showed.

The Guardian - Sport

"It had plenty in it all day... the best form of defence was to attack".

The Guardian - Sport

Agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce has chosen attack as the best form of defence on fuel taxation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts or strategies, use "form of defence" to denote a specific method or approach used for protection. For instance, in cybersecurity, a firewall acts as a "form of defence" against unauthorized access.

Common error

Avoid restricting the use of "form of defence" solely to physical or military contexts. Expand its application to include abstract concepts like legal strategies or personal coping mechanisms to enhance the depth and relevance of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "form of defence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type, method, or strategy employed for protection. As shown by Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts to denote different defensive mechanisms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "form of defence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, denoting a method or strategy employed for protection. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across diverse contexts, including news, sports, and formal business settings. While interchangeable with alternatives like "method of defense" or "type of defense", "form of defence" maintains a neutral register suitable for various communication needs. Remember to broaden its application beyond physical contexts to encompass abstract concepts, enhancing the depth and relevance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

method of defense

Focuses on the specific technique used for protection.

type of defense

Emphasizes the classification or category of defensive strategy.

means of protection

Highlights the resources or actions employed to ensure safety.

defense mechanism

Implies a more systematic and often psychological approach to defense.

protective measure

Stresses a specific action taken to safeguard against harm.

defensive strategy

Highlights the planned approach to ward off threats.

security protocol

Suggests a structured and regulated procedure for maintaining safety.

safeguarding procedure

Emphasizes the steps taken to ensure the protection of something.

mode of resistance

Focuses on the manner in which opposition or attacks are countered.

way of shielding

Highlights the act of creating a barrier against potential harm.

FAQs

How can I use "form of defence" in a sentence?

You can use "form of defence" to describe a method or strategy used to protect against harm. For example, "Diplomacy can be an effective "form of defence" against potential conflicts".

What are some alternatives to "form of defence"?

Some alternatives include "method of defense", "type of defense", or "means of protection", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "form of defense" instead of "form of defence"?

Both spellings are correct. "Defence" is the British English spelling, while "defense" is the American English spelling. The choice depends on your preferred style.

In what situations is "form of defence" most appropriate?

"Form of defence" is suitable when referring to a specific type or method used for protection, whether it's in a physical, legal, or abstract context.