he defends that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he defends that" is not correct and sounds awkward in written English.
It is typically used when someone is supporting a specific argument or position, but it lacks clarity and completeness. Example: "In his essay, he defends that the current education system needs reform."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He defends that view against Hutcheson's idea that good behaviour is necessarily based on pure benevolence and that the trace of anything else, the hope of reward for example, completely destroys all notion of merit.

Biology and Philosophy

He defends that liaison.

The Economist

For a man whose friends describe as possessing an exquisite sensitivity to others, he can also be a sharp-tongued advocate capable of demolishing a critic's argument, even as he defends that critic's right to speak out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He defended that title for two years.

The New York Times - Sports

In an interview with a North Carolina TV station this week, he defended that practice.

The Washington Post

He defended that bad decision by saying he did not want those suits to "clog up the legal system".

The New York Times

Mr. Tenet has long described the rebuilding of the clandestine service as his top priority, and he defended that effort in his response, sent as a letter to Mr. Goss.

The New York Times

He defended that choice by arguing that he was trying to be fair to customers who bought season tickets.

Forbes

He defended that portion of the ad to HuffPost India, saying it was a way for his family to try and match him with someone of a similar upbringing.

Huffington Post

Instead, he simply assumes that he knows nothing and defends that assumption against attack.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When he defended that by saying that to "have turned it down would have been potentially more suspicious than to have it," peals of laughter erupted in the hearing room.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity and grammatical correctness, replace "he defends that" with more precise alternatives like "he argues that" or "he supports the idea that".

Common error

Avoid using "he defends that" in formal writing. It can sound awkward. Instead, use stronger verbs like "argues", "asserts", or "maintains" to convey a more polished and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he defends that" functions as a clause where "he" is the subject, "defends" is the verb, and "that" introduces a subordinate clause stating the proposition being defended. However, Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase can be improved with stronger and more precise verb choices.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "he defends that" is understandable, it is not considered grammatically ideal in formal English. Ludwig AI suggests that this construction is not correct and can sound awkward. Therefore, opting for stronger verbs like "argues", "maintains", or "asserts" offers greater clarity and precision. Although examples exist across various sources, including news and scientific domains, these could often benefit from more refined phrasing. For improved writing, consider using alternatives such as "he argues that" or "he maintains that" for a more polished and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he argues that

Uses "argues" to present a reasoned case instead of directly defending something.

he maintains that

Emphasizes a consistent and firm stance on a particular viewpoint.

he asserts that

Conveys a strong declaration or affirmation of a particular fact or belief.

he supports that

Indicates endorsement or approval of a specific idea or action.

he justifies that

Focuses on providing reasons or evidence to show that something is right or reasonable.

he advocates that

Suggests active public support or recommendation for a particular cause or policy.

he champions that

Implies vigorous defense and promotion of a cause or idea.

he defends his belief that

Adds "his belief" to clarify the personal nature of the defended position.

he stands by that

Implies unwavering support and loyalty to a previous statement or decision.

he upholds that

Signifies maintaining or defending a principle or decision, often in a formal or official context.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "he defends that" to improve its grammatical correctness?

You can replace "he defends that" with alternatives such as "he argues that", "he asserts that", or "he maintains that". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance while ensuring clarity.

Is "he defends that" grammatically correct, and if not, why?

While understandable, "he defends that" is not considered standard English. It's better to use a more precise verb like "argues" or "asserts" to clearly convey the act of defending a position. For example, use "he argues that" instead.

What's the difference between "he defends that" and "he defends his position"?

"He defends his position" is more explicit and grammatically sound, as it clarifies what is being defended. "He defends that" is vague and should be replaced by stronger alternatives such as "he argues that".

When is it appropriate to use "he defends that" in writing?

While not strictly incorrect, "he defends that" is best avoided in formal writing. It might be acceptable in informal conversation or when brevity is crucial, but more precise alternatives are generally preferred.