in defence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in defence" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in British English.
You can use it when discussing actions taken to protect or justify something or someone. Example: "In defence of her decision, she presented compelling evidence to support her argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In defence?

Independent

Sound in defence.

Independent

Scotland have issues in defence.

Independent

They were good, solid in defence".

Independent

In defence, this is working wonders.

The Economist

Hungry in defence.

The Guardian - Sport

Colin Robertson: In defence of Julian Assange.

The Guardian

My first priority in defence is Nato.

The Guardian

Brilliant in attack and brilliant in defence.

The Guardian - Sport

We were superb in defence and midfield".

The Guardian - Sport

Perfect in defence, perfect in offence.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in defence", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being protected or justified. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in defence" as a generic phrase without specifying what is being defended. Always clarify the subject to ensure clarity and relevance in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in defence" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It is used to indicate the act of protecting, justifying, or supporting something, as confirmed by the many examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in defence" is a versatile prepositional phrase primarily used to introduce justifications or protective measures. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and common usage. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being defended, and choose the appropriate spelling ("defence" vs. "defense") based on your target audience. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively incorporate "in defence" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defending

Focuses on the action of defending rather than the state or position.

in support of

Emphasizes providing backing or justification for something.

to protect

Highlights the act of safeguarding from harm or threat.

to justify

Focuses on providing reasons or evidence to support a claim or action.

upholding

Indicates maintaining or defending a principle or standard.

advocating for

Implies actively promoting or supporting a cause or idea.

championing

Suggests strongly supporting and defending a cause.

on behalf of

Indicates acting as a representative to defend or support.

for the sake of

Highlights the purpose or reason for defending something.

as a defense

Specifically refers to using something as a means of protection or justification.

FAQs

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

You can use "in defence" to introduce a justification or protective measure. For example, "In defence of her actions, she cited mitigating circumstances".

What are some alternatives to saying "in defence"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "in support of", "to protect", or "to justify" as alternatives to "in defence".

When is it appropriate to use "in defence" rather than "in defense"?

"In defence" is the British English spelling, while "in defense" is the American English spelling. Choose the spelling that aligns with your target audience or the style guide you are following.

Is there a difference between using "in defence of" versus just "in defence"?

While both are correct, "in defence of" typically precedes the subject being defended, whereas "in defence" can stand alone or be followed by a more general statement. For example, "In defence of liberty" versus "They acted "in defence"".