standing up for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "standing up for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express support or defense for someone or something, often in the context of advocating for rights or principles. Example: "She is known for standing up for the rights of the underprivileged in her community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was the underdog standing up for what he believed.

The Economist

It means standing up for your child -- and standing up for what's right.

Huffington Post

"I will keep standing up for you.

The New Yorker

Now we're standing up for him".

Independent

Standing up for freedom invited retaliation.

The New York Times

Men standing up for her".

The New York Times

Just standing up for felons.

The New Yorker

Standing up for the Constitution.

The New Yorker

STANDING up for democracy sometimes entails standing up for some unappealing democrats.

The Economist

"I'm standing up for Territorians," he said.

The Guardian

We're just standing up for ourselves".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone; "standing up for" can convey either a defensive or proactive stance, so choose your words accordingly to match the intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "standing up for" in overly general contexts without specifying what is being defended. For example, instead of "He's standing up for things", specify "He's standing up for environmental regulations" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standing up for" functions primarily as a prepositional verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and used to indicate defending, supporting, or advocating for a person, cause, or belief. Examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "standing up for" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional verb phrase used to express support, defense, or advocacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and general discourse. When using the phrase, be specific about what you are supporting and consider the tone you wish to convey. While the phrase is generally neutral, tailoring it to the specific context will enhance its clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defending

Focuses on protecting someone or something from attack or criticism.

advocating for

Emphasizes active support and promotion of a cause or person.

supporting

Implies providing assistance or approval to a person, idea, or cause.

championing

Suggests enthusiastic and public support for a cause or individual.

upholding

Highlights maintaining or defending principles, laws, or rights.

backing

Indicates providing resources or encouragement to someone or something.

promoting

Focuses on raising awareness or encouraging the adoption of an idea or product.

fighting for

Conveys a sense of struggle and determination in defending a cause.

protecting

Emphasizes safeguarding someone or something from harm or danger.

espousing

Indicates adopting or supporting a belief or principle.

FAQs

How can I use "standing up for" in a sentence?

You can use "standing up for" to indicate support or defense of a person, cause, or idea. For example, "She is known for "standing up for the underdog"" or "He is "standing up for his rights"".

What are some alternatives to "standing up for"?

Alternatives to "standing up for" include "defending", "advocating for", or "supporting", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "standing up for" and "supporting"?

"Standing up for" often implies a more active or confrontational form of support, while "supporting" can be more passive. "Standing up for" suggests defending someone or something against opposition.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "standing up for"?

It is appropriate to use "standing up for" when you want to emphasize the act of defending or advocating for someone or something, especially in the face of opposition or challenge. It highlights courage and conviction in supporting a cause or individual.