stood up for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stood up for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used when someone publicly defends or speaks in support of another person or their beliefs. For example, "She stood up for what she believed was right, even when noone else agreed with her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He stood up for us".

The New York Times

"He stood up for me".

The New York Times

Boyle stood up for himself throughout.

The New York Times - Sports

"I stood up for what I believed.

The New York Times - Arts

And no one stood up for me".

The New Yorker

(Like he stood up for not smoking).

Independent

Nobody stood up for them.

The New York Times

"They stood up for me".

The New Yorker

"He stood up for love".

The New Yorker

They've stood up for users in court.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I've always stood up for British farmers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stood up for", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what was being defended or supported to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "stood up for" when the context implies general agreement rather than active defense or advocacy. Use a more appropriate phrase like "agreed with" or "supported" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "stood up for" functions as a predicate in sentences, indicating that someone actively defended or supported a person, cause, or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical usage. This action often involves publicly expressing support or taking a stand against opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stood up for" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that conveys active support or defense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it describes individuals or groups publicly defending a cause or person. While alternatives like "defended" or "supported" exist, "stood up for" emphasizes a more public and active form of advocacy. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the subject and object of support to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defended

Focuses on protecting someone or something from attack or criticism.

supported

Emphasizes providing assistance or approval.

advocated for

Highlights public support and promotion of a cause or person.

championed

Suggests enthusiastic and public support.

spoke out for

Implies verbal support, often in a public setting.

took a stand for

Indicates a firm and often public declaration of support.

backed

Implies providing support or resources.

upheld

Focuses on maintaining or defending a principle or law.

stood behind

Indicates unwavering support, often in the face of adversity.

protected

Focuses on safeguarding someone or something from harm.

FAQs

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

You can use "stood up for" to describe someone who defended or supported someone or something, as in, "She "stood up for" her beliefs, even when no one else agreed with her".

What are some alternatives to "stood up for"?

Alternatives include "defended", "supported", or "advocated for", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "stood up for" or "defended"?

Both "stood up for" and "defended" are correct, but "stood up for" often implies a more public or active form of support.

What's the difference between "stood up for" and "stood by"?

"Stood up for" means to actively support or defend, while "stood by" can mean to passively support or simply be present without intervening. The former is about actively defending, while the latter can mean being a witness without taking action.