like asserting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like asserting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison to the act of asserting something, often in a context where you are discussing claims or statements. Example: "Her tone was confident, like asserting a fact rather than merely suggesting an opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But the Russians like asserting their ownership.

The Economist

To make such a contention in a place that is not a pub is like asserting the primacy of astrological truth at a Cal Tech reunion.

The New York Times - Sports

"Claiming that 'An American Family' is the mother of reality TV is like asserting that Lenin begat Stalin," said the film historian Jeffrey Ruoff, who wrote the 2001 book "An American Family: A Televised Life".

The New York Times - Arts

It's like asserting that cancer doesn't exist, then claiming you've cured cancer; more than one critic of Dennett's most famous book, Consciousness Explained, has joked that its title ought to be Consciousness Explained Away.

The Guardian

We should resist the temptation to say that entropy increases, for that would be like asserting that a road goes uphill rather than downhill without conceding the perspectival nature of descriptions like 'uphill'uphill

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We'll see a major improvement they'll strip out the junk people don't need and become more Palm-like," asserts Jack Gold, senior program director with the Meta Group.

Forbes

The popular satirical blog Stuff White People Like asserts that "if you find yourself in a situation where a white person is talking about a marathon, you must be impressed or you will lose favor with them immediately".

The New York Times - Books

"We just don't like him asserting the position that he now owns the words 'one fish two fish,' and can deprive Dr. Seuss, the originator, of their use".

The New York Times

In light of these stereotypes, and the crushing weight of stigma (from inside and outside the industry) that the porn performer must occasionally bear, I'd like to pose a question bigger than "Is porn bad?" I'd also like to assert two possible and antithetical solutions that I think could diminish the effect of stereotypes associated with sex-work.

Huffington Post

If it's the latter, I'd like to assert that it could not happen soon enough.

The Guardian - Sport

I'd like to assert, as a starting point, that women have played a crucial role in shaping modern British theatre.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "like asserting", ensure the comparison is clear and directly relates to the act of making a claim or statement. It often works best when describing a manner or tone.

Common error

Avoid using "like asserting" when you simply mean "asserting". The phrase is for making a comparison, not replacing the act of assertion itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like asserting" functions as a comparative element, drawing parallels between a described action or characteristic and the act of making a confident statement. It's used to illustrate the manner or quality of something by associating it with the act of assertion. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like asserting" is a grammatically correct and usable comparative phrase, as indicated by Ludwig AI. While not exceptionally frequent, it is valuable for illustrating the quality or manner of something by comparing it to the act of making a confident assertion. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it offers a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. To ensure clarity, it's essential to use the phrase to make genuine comparisons and avoid substituting it for simply "asserting". Remember, "like asserting" enriches description by evoking a sense of assertive confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

akin to claiming

This alternative uses "akin to" to suggest a similarity, focusing on the resemblance between the action and a claim.

similar to stating

This option emphasizes the similarity to making a statement, which can be a more formal way of asserting something.

comparable to declaring

This suggests that the action is on par with making a declaration, highlighting the boldness of the assertion.

resembling a contention

This alternative uses "resembling" to indicate a likeness to a strong argument or assertion.

much like affirming

This emphasizes the similarity to a firm statement of truth or fact, underscoring confidence.

reminiscent of asserting

This evokes a sense of something reminding one of the act of asserting.

analogous to postulating

This makes a comparison to the act of suggesting or assuming the existence of something as a basis for reasoning.

equating to avowing

This suggests that the action is equivalent to openly declaring or confessing something.

on par with alleging

This indicates that the action is similar to asserting something without proof.

comparable to professing

This highlights the similarity to openly declaring a belief or feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "like asserting" in a sentence?

Use "like asserting" to draw a comparison between something and the act of asserting. For instance, "His tone was firm, like asserting a non-negotiable fact."

What phrases can I use instead of "like asserting"?

Alternatives include "similar to stating", "akin to claiming", or "comparable to declaring", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "like asserting"?

Yes, the phrase "like asserting" is grammatically sound when used to make a comparison to the act of asserting something. However, ensure that the context warrants a comparison and not a direct statement.

What's the difference between "like asserting" and simply "asserting"?

"Asserting" is the direct action of stating something confidently. "Like asserting" is a comparative phrase that describes something else as resembling or being similar to the act of asserting.