set up a defense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set up a defense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts related to legal matters, sports, or any situation where a protective strategy is being established. Example: "The lawyer worked tirelessly to set up a defense that would protect her client from the charges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

As outrage over the investigation mounted, one of Bala's girlfriends, Denise Rinehart, set up a defense committee on his behalf.

The New Yorker

The Little theory seems to be that one should take an early lead and then set up a defense that will preserve it.

The New Yorker

Ni Hua's 19... f5 20 ef ef set up a defense for his king, but it opened the e file, and Benjamin immediately doubled his rooks.

The New York Times

Dr. Copperman's son-in-law, Jay Freedberg, has set up a defense fund, which presently contains about $11,000, Mr. Tacopina said.

The New York Times

Cincinnati called its last timeout after McElroy's shot to set up a defense, but Luke Whitehead heaved a baseball pass to Gaines, who made the uncontested layup.

The New York Times - Sports

The first platoon spent the night near My Khe 4, but the rest of Bravo Company joined Charlie Company to set up a defense near a cemetery along the South China Sea.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Mr. Rasmussen criticized a proposal from the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain to set up a defense-planning headquarters for the European Union based in Brussels.

The New York Times

Mr. Keker is setting up a defense that Mr. Stoker was just a pawn in a larger casino game.

The New York Times

I question why they trouble setting up a defense at all.

Huffington Post

At DePaul, he once recalled: "We would set up a zone defense with four men around the key and I guarded the basket.

The New York Times

Mr. Ensign moved last year to set up a legal defense fund, sending out a letter to supporters urging them to help defend him against what he said was an investigation inspired by liberal activists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set up a defense" in legal contexts, ensure the defensive strategy aligns with ethical guidelines to avoid potential legal repercussions.

Common error

Avoid using "setting up a defense" as a mere justification after the fact. Instead, ensure that the defensive measures are proactive and planned in advance, to reinforce credibility and demonstrate foresight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set up a defense" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of establishing or preparing a strategy or system for protection. It typically involves proactive measures taken to safeguard against potential threats or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set up a defense" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that conveys the act of establishing a protective strategy or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most frequently found in news, wiki and encyclopedic contexts. While the register is generally neutral, it can be adapted to formal or informal settings. When using this phrase, it is crucial to ensure the defensive strategy is proactive and ethically sound.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a defense

Using "establish" emphasizes the act of making the defense firm and secure.

create a defense

This alternative focuses on the act of bringing a defense into existence.

formulate a defense

"Formulate" suggests a more detailed and planned approach to creating a defense.

mount a defense

"Mount" implies preparing and launching a defense, often in response to an attack or accusation.

organize a defense

This focuses on structuring and coordinating the different elements of the defense.

arrange a defense

"Arrange" suggests a careful and deliberate organization of the defense.

institute a defense

"Institute" implies a more formal or official establishment of a defense.

develop a defense

Focuses on the gradual growth and refinement of the defensive strategy.

construct a defense

Implies a building or assembling of various components to form a complete defense.

prepare a defense

Emphasizes the act of getting ready to defend, focusing on anticipation and readiness.

FAQs

How can I use "set up a defense" in a sentence?

You can use "set up a defense" to describe preparing a strategy or system to protect against attack, criticism, or legal charges. For example, "The lawyer worked tirelessly to "set up a defense" for her client".

What are some alternatives to "set up a defense"?

Alternatives include "establish a defense", "create a defense", or "formulate a defense", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "set up a defense" or "establish a defense"?

Both phrases are correct, but "establish a defense" emphasizes making the defense firm and secure, while "set up a defense" is a more general term for preparing a defense.

What's the difference between "setting up a defense" and "preparing a defense"?

"Setting up a defense" implies the creation or organization of a defensive system, while "preparing a defense" emphasizes the actions taken to get ready to defend. Both can be used depending on the context.