i assert

USAGE SUMMARY

"I assert" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to affirm a belief or opinion. For example: "I assert that everyone has the right to an education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to Moore, if I make an assertion, what I assert is nothing about my ideas or my mental states, but a certain "connexion of concepts".

SEP

I assert that these risks can be contained, respectively, through contract design, investment strategy, and institutional design.

Journal of International Management

Third, Austin's assertion is made using the apparently performative form, "I assert … "—a form that appears, moreover, to falsify the generalisation that performatives lack truth-values.

SEP

In this classification, assertion would best be placed under expositives, since the prefix 'I assert' is or may be of an expository nature.

SEP

This change, I assert, is pushing medicine back towards a narrow, reductionist biomedical model.

Stanford University

I assert that the diverging curves which you correctly emphasize are precisely because of progressive taxation.

University of California, Berkeley

(They are a minority, I assert, but more on that another day).

The New Yorker

In Parliament, as his colleague, I assert that he was a seriously underused talent by the Labour leadership.

Independent

I assert that influential figures in the government, with external agendas, are trying to unsettle security in Iraq".

The New York Times

I assert that our constitutional independence will not protect us if America goes to war in the Pacific.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Whenever I assert myself or stand up for other women, I am often told I am just seeking attention.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To sound more formal and persuasive in academic writing, consider varying your vocabulary with stronger verbs such as "maintain", "contend", or "affirm" to convey nuanced degrees of conviction.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "I assert" as it can make your writing sound repetitive and overly assertive. Try rephrasing some sentences using different sentence structures or synonyms to add variety and maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I assert" is to act as a performative utterance, explicitly indicating that the speaker is making an assertion. As supported by Ludwig's examples, this phrase directly signals the act of stating a belief or opinion with confidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

25%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I assert" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to confidently express an opinion or belief. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is used in various contexts, most commonly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. Although the phrase is suitable for expressing strong convictions, it's best to avoid overusing it to prevent your writing from sounding repetitive or overly assertive. Consider using alternatives like "I maintain", "I contend", or "I affirm" to add variety and nuance to your statements. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "I assert" to make your points clearly and persuasively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I maintain

Replaces "assert" with "maintain", suggesting a sustained belief.

I contend

Uses "contend" instead of "assert", implying a viewpoint is being argued.

I affirm

Substitutes "assert" with "affirm", indicating a strong declaration.

I declare

Replaces "assert" with "declare", suggesting a formal announcement.

I propose

Uses "propose" instead of "assert", introducing an idea for consideration.

I submit

Replaces "assert" with "submit", indicating a respectful presentation of an opinion.

It is my position that

Offers a more formal and emphatic restatement of personal viewpoint.

I am convinced that

Emphasizes the speaker's strong belief, rather than the act of assertion.

In my opinion

Provides a less assertive way of stating a viewpoint.

I believe

Offers a simpler and less forceful expression of personal belief.

FAQs

How can I use "I assert" in a sentence?

"I assert" is used to confidently state an opinion or belief. For example, you could say, "I assert that stronger environmental regulations are crucial for protecting our planet".

What phrases are similar to "I assert"?

Alternatives to "I assert" include "I maintain", "I contend", or "I affirm". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to use "I assert" or "I believe"?

"I assert" is stronger and more formal than "I believe". Use "I assert" when you want to express a firm conviction, especially in a debate or formal setting. "I believe" is more appropriate for expressing a general opinion or personal conviction.

Can "I assert" be used in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "I assert" is generally more suitable for formal writing or speech. In informal contexts, phrases like "I think" or "I feel" might be more appropriate, depending on your intent.