in defending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in defending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of providing support or justification for a position, argument, or individual. Example: "In defending her thesis, she presented compelling evidence to support her claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The colonists used force in defending themselves.

The New York Times

In defending the Party, the A.C.L.U.

The New Yorker

But he remained steadfast in defending them.

The New York Times

We really are justified in defending ourselves.

The New York Times

Zusi better in defending to counter Boateng.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Leigh went further in defending Margot.

The New York Times

"Twitter has a pretty strong history in defending free speech.

The New York Times

Nor were the Jets any more successful in defending McCoy.

The New York Times - Sports

Legalize use of deadly force in defending one's home.

The New York Times

George Osborne stands alone in defending Hinkley's honour".

The Guardian - Business

The Bush administration joined the state in defending the statute.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in defending", ensure that the object being defended is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what specific actions or beliefs are being protected.

Common error

Avoid using "in defending" excessively in passive constructions where the actor is obscured. Instead of "Mistakes were made in defending the position", prefer "The team made mistakes in defending the position" to maintain clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in defending" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify verbs or clauses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound construction used to indicate the act of providing support or justification. Examples show it describing actions related to protection, justification, or advocacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in defending" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate support, justification, or protection. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's versatile and suitable for diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. To maximize clarity, always specify what is being defended and avoid overuse in passive constructions. Alternatives like "in safeguarding" or "in advocating for" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning. The phrase finds frequent application in both formal and informal communication, offering a concise way to express protective or justificatory actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in protecting

A more general term for preventing harm or damage.

in safeguarding

Highlights the act of protecting from harm or damage.

in advocating for

Emphasizes active support and promotion, rather than just protection.

in supporting

A broader term indicating assistance or approval.

in justifying

Focuses on providing reasons or evidence to support or excuse an action or belief.

in championing

Highlights enthusiastic support and advocacy.

in upholding

Emphasizes maintaining or supporting something, especially a principle or law.

in vindicating

Emphasizes clearing someone of blame or suspicion.

in preserving

Focuses on maintaining something in its original or existing state.

in maintaining

Focuses on keeping something in good condition or working order.

FAQs

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

You can use "in defending" to show support or justification for something. For example: "The lawyer was instrumental "in defending the company's patents"".

What are some alternatives to using "in defending"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "in safeguarding", "in protecting", or "in advocating for" as alternatives to "in defending".

Is it always necessary to specify what is being defended when using "in defending"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what is being defended provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. Vague usage can lead to confusion about the subject of defense.

How does "in defending" differ from "in supporting"?

"In defending" implies a need for protection against opposition or attack, while "in supporting" simply indicates approval or assistance. The former suggests a more active and potentially contentious role.