rebelling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rebelling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of resisting authority, control, or tradition, often in a social or political context. Example: "The youth were rebelling against the outdated norms imposed by society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I just wanted to fit in," she says, "I was rebelling against Al.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You won't catch them rebelling, sitting on the sofa at home jeering at their leaders because they're not quite good enough – no, the Tories do as they're told.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

AJ Inaki Aizpitarte, the self-taught Serge Gainsbourg-like figurehead of the Parisian bistronomic movement (talented young cooks rebelling against Michelin by serving ambitious food in modest premises) is going to be spending a lot of time on the Eurostar this year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This was a bunch of renegade creative people rebelling against the advertising world as it then was and trying to change it from within.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What's he rebelling against?

The Guardian

Having failed to secure Labour's support, Mr Cameron was in effect scuppered by his own side, with 30 Tory MPs rebelling against the government, as well as nine Liberal Democrats, his coalition's junior partners.

The Economist

Unlike those of a generation ago, these protesters are not rebelling against the system but calling for a better education to enable them to profit from it.With unemployment among France's under-25-year-olds running at 27%, today's youngsters worry more about getting the right qualifications for a good job than about ideology.

The Economist

But Californians are increasingly rebelling against the largesse distributed by Mr Schwarzenegger's predecessor, Gray Davis, a Democrat, who wooed unions 11 years ago with juicy benefits.Those pension deals, moreover, illustrate California's more general problem: an asymmetry which guarantees that spending will always outpace revenues in the long term.

The Economist

"Hariri has been paying jihadis not to be jihadis but they've been rebelling against him," says Nadim Shehadi, a Lebanon expert at Chatham House, a London think-tank.

The Economist

The fighting between Colonel Muammar Qaddafi's forces and those rebelling against him moved to and fro along the coast road between the oil town of Brega and Benghazi, the rebels' capital in the east.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The danger is that rebelling for the wrong reasons will encourage them to rebel in the wrong way.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rebelling", ensure the context clearly identifies against whom or what the action is directed. Clarity prevents misinterpretation and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "rebelling" when the situation involves a mere difference of opinion or mild disagreement. "Rebelling" suggests a stronger, more active form of resistance against established authority or norms.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rebelling" is that of a present participle, often used as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is commonly found in varied contexts, reflecting its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "rebelling" functions as a present participle, frequently employed to depict active resistance against established authorities or norms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and applicable across diverse scenarios. Evidenced by its frequent occurrence in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, "rebelling" is versatile and neutrally registered. To effectively utilize the term, ensure clarity regarding the target of resistance, and avoid substituting it for simpler disagreements. Semantically related alternatives include "revolting" and "defying", each offering nuanced connotations of opposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revolting

Emphasizes a more forceful and organized act of resistance.

defying

Focuses on openly resisting or disobeying authority.

resisting

Highlights the act of opposing or withstanding a force or influence.

disobeying

Specifically refers to failing to comply with orders or rules.

mutinying

Implies an open revolt against authority, especially within a military context.

insurrection

Suggests a violent uprising against an established authority or government.

agitating

Implies persistent incitement or stirring up of public interest in a cause.

protesting

Focuses on expressing disapproval or objection, often publicly.

demonstrating

Highlights a public display of opinion, often in support of a cause.

objecting

Denotes expressing disapproval or opposition verbally or in writing.

FAQs

How to use "rebelling" in a sentence?

Use "rebelling" to describe an act of resistance against authority or established norms. For example, "The students were "protesting", rebelling against the new school policies."

What can I say instead of "rebelling"?

You can use alternatives like "revolting", "defying", or "resisting" depending on the specific context and intensity of the resistance.

Is it correct to say "rebelling against"?

Yes, "rebelling against" is a common and grammatically correct construction. It clearly indicates the target of the rebellion. For example, "The citizens were rebelling against the government's oppressive laws."

What's the difference between "rebelling" and "resisting"?

"Rebelling" implies a more active and overt act of defiance against established authority or norms, while "resisting" can refer to a broader range of opposition, including passive or subtle forms.