subverting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'subverting' is a correct and usable word in written English.
The word 'subverting' means to undermine or overthrow something, often in a secretive or sneaky manner. Example: The rebels had been planning for months to subvert the government and take control of the country.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But demanding that women bear the brunt of subverting beauty standards by laying themselves bare is a cruel - and maybe even anti-feminist - way of addressing the issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps this is why he seems increasingly drawn to subverting religious imagery in his work.

The Guardian - Music

The thinking behind this prohibition was that terrorist groups were exploiting the broadcasters, that the enemies of democracy were subverting the system by harnessing a key tenet of democracy – a free, open media.

The Guardian

Researchers have found at least a dozen other pieces of junkware capable of subverting the familiar HTTPS security protocol used by commercial websites to protect their customers.

The Economist

Prosecutors appealed, but in April the Supreme Court ruled that a fair retrial was impossible in Gujarat and moved the case to the neighbouring state of Maharashtra.The state government may have reasons for subverting the judicial process.

The Economist

The two intifadas bred a powerful grassroots movement, subverting the Middle East's usual authoritarian tendency.

The Economist

But it has occurred to Robert Naviaux of the University of California, San Diego, that once the signal is stuck in this way, chronic CDR might, by subverting the function of crucial brain cells, be the immediate cause of the symptoms of autism.

The Economist

In the world according to Michael Moore, such companies do systematically lie and cheat, and get away with it by corrupting and intimidating, and subverting both politics and the criminal-justice system.

The Economist

EARLIER this month Vietnam's courts handed out long jail sentences to 14 young democracy activists and bloggers accused, on the flimsiest of evidence, of subverting the state.

The Economist

Ministers have long tried to smear Mr Hazare as corrupt, or as a demagogue set on subverting democracy by imposing a flawed anti-corruption ombudsman, or lokpal, to whom both prime minister and senior judges would be held accountable.

The Economist

The RNA then carries the message to the places where proteins are made, and the message is translated into protein.Many viruses work by subverting this mechanism injecting their own RNA into a cell in order to make that cell produce viral proteins instead.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subverting", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being undermined and the method of subversion. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying on "subverting" excessively in academic or business writing. While accurate, it can sometimes sound overly dramatic. Consider more neutral alternatives like "undermining" or "counteracting" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "subverting" is as a present participle or gerund of the verb "subvert". It's used to describe an ongoing action of undermining or overturning something, often in a secretive or sneaky manner as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subverting" functions as a present participle or gerund, frequently employed in news and media and science contexts to express disapproval of actions undermining established systems. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While the term carries a neutral register, it's advisable to use it precisely, ensuring clarity about what is being undermined and how. Consider alternatives like "undermining" or "counteracting" in formal contexts to maintain a professional tone. Understanding its nuances will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undermining the authority

Focuses specifically on diminishing authority rather than a broader range of targets.

overthrowing the system

Implies a forceful and complete removal of a system or government.

sabotaging the efforts

Highlights the deliberate hindering of progress or activities.

eroding the foundation

Suggests a gradual weakening or destruction of a fundamental basis.

counteracting the influence

Emphasizes neutralizing or diminishing the impact of something.

circumventing the rules

Focuses on avoiding or evading rules or regulations.

neutralizing the threat

Highlights the act of rendering a threat harmless or ineffective.

disrupting the order

Emphasizes the disturbance and interruption of an established order.

destabilizing the region

Focuses on causing instability in a specific geographical area.

defying conventions

Implies a bold resistance against accepted norms or customs.

FAQs

How can I use "subverting" in a sentence?

You can use "subverting" to describe actions that undermine or overthrow something. For example, "The activists were accused of "subverting" the government".

What can I say instead of "subverting"?

You can use alternatives like "undermining", "overthrowing", or "sabotaging" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "subverting democracy" or "undermining democracy"?

Both "subverting democracy" and "undermining democracy" are correct, but "undermining democracy" is often considered more neutral and less dramatic.

What's the difference between "subverting" and "undermining"?

"Subverting" often implies a more deliberate and potentially secretive attempt to overthrow or weaken something, while "undermining" can be a more gradual and less intentional process.