To advocate for
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use `advocate for` when you are seriously championing a cause or person to achieve a specific goal.
Em 15 segundos
- Publicly supporting a cause, policy, or person to influence others.
- A step above 'liking'; it requires active verbal or written support.
- Commonly used in professional, legal, and social justice contexts.
Significado
When you advocate for something, you aren't just saying you like it. You are actively supporting it, speaking up for it, and trying to convince others to get on board.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6In a corporate meeting
I want to advocate for a more flexible remote work policy.
I want to argue in favor of a flexible remote work policy.
Discussing a friend's talent
I'll advocate for you when the manager asks for recommendations.
I will speak up for you when the manager asks for suggestions.
Texting about a restaurant choice
I'm strongly advocating for tacos tonight; I've been craving them all week!
I am really pushing for us to get tacos tonight.
Contexto cultural
The term is rooted in the Latin 'advocare,' meaning to call to one's aid. In modern English-speaking cultures, it has shifted from a strictly legal term to a cornerstone of social activism and workplace professional development.
The 'For' Rule
In American English, we almost always use `for` after the verb. In some British contexts, you might hear 'advocate a change' without the 'for', but adding it is safer and more common globally.
Don't Overuse It
If you `advocate for` every tiny thing, like which movie to watch, you'll sound like you're constantly giving a speech. Save it for things that matter!
Em 15 segundos
- Publicly supporting a cause, policy, or person to influence others.
- A step above 'liking'; it requires active verbal or written support.
- Commonly used in professional, legal, and social justice contexts.
What It Means
To advocate for something means to be its champion. Think of it as being a lawyer for an idea or a person. You use your voice to push for a specific outcome. It is deeper than just 'liking' a post on social media. It implies action and intent. You want to see change happen. You want a specific choice to be made.
How To Use It
You follow the phrase with the thing or person you support. For example, you can advocate for a friend during a job promotion. You can advocate for better coffee in the office breakroom. It works with big political movements or small personal needs. Just remember to keep the for after the verb. Without it, the sentence structure changes and sounds a bit clunky.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound persuasive and serious. It is perfect for workplace meetings. Use it when discussing rights or social issues. It also works when you are being a 'wingman' for a friend. If your buddy is too shy to ask for a raise, you might advocate for him to the boss. It shows you have a backbone and a clear opinion.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, mindless preferences. If you want pizza for dinner, don't say you are advocating for pepperoni. That sounds way too intense for a Tuesday night. Avoid it in very casual slang-heavy chats with teenagers. They might think you sound like a textbook. Also, don't use it if you are just observing. You must be an active participant to truly advocate.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the legal world. An 'advocate' is another word for a lawyer in many systems. In Western culture, especially in the US and UK, there is a big focus on 'self-advocacy.' This means speaking up for your own needs. It is seen as a sign of strength and emotional intelligence. People love a person who stands up for the underdog.
Common Variations
You might hear people say they are 'an advocate of' something. That is the noun version. You can also 'play devil's advocate.' This is when you argue the opposite side just for fun. It helps test if an idea is actually good. Another common one is 'vocal advocate,' meaning someone who never stops talking about their cause. We all have that one friend who is a vocal advocate for veganism!
Notas de uso
The phrase is primarily formal/professional. A common mistake is using it for trivial choices; keep it for situations involving influence, rights, or significant changes.
The 'For' Rule
In American English, we almost always use `for` after the verb. In some British contexts, you might hear 'advocate a change' without the 'for', but adding it is safer and more common globally.
Don't Overuse It
If you `advocate for` every tiny thing, like which movie to watch, you'll sound like you're constantly giving a speech. Save it for things that matter!
Self-Advocacy
In Western workplaces, bosses expect you to `advocate for yourself`. If you don't ask for that raise or project, they assume you don't want it. It's not seen as bragging; it's seen as being proactive.
Exemplos
6I want to advocate for a more flexible remote work policy.
I want to argue in favor of a flexible remote work policy.
Shows professional initiative and a desire for change.
I'll advocate for you when the manager asks for recommendations.
I will speak up for you when the manager asks for suggestions.
Acts as a strong endorsement of a person.
I'm strongly advocating for tacos tonight; I've been craving them all week!
I am really pushing for us to get tacos tonight.
Slightly hyperbolic use for a casual situation.
If you advocate for an office cat, I'm advocating for an office dragon.
If you argue for a cat, I'll argue for something even more ridiculous.
Uses the formal term to create a funny contrast with an absurd idea.
We need to advocate for patients who cannot speak for themselves.
We must stand up for patients who are unable to represent their own interests.
High emotional weight and moral responsibility.
Our organization continues to advocate for environmental protection laws.
Our group keeps supporting laws that protect the environment.
Standard usage in official organizational communication.
Teste-se
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
The teacher decided to advocate ___ her students during the school board meeting.
The standard phrasal verb is `advocate for` when you are supporting a person or cause.
Identify the most appropriate context for this phrase.
Which sentence uses the phrase most naturally?
The phrase is best suited for policies, causes, or significant changes, not minor physical actions or trivial tastes.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Scale of Support
Just liking something
I'm into it.
Basic support
I support this idea.
Active championing
I advocate for this change.
Legal/Official
The counsel advocates for the defendant.
When to Advocate
Workplace
Asking for a team budget increase
Social Justice
Marching for equal rights
Healthcare
Helping a parent explain symptoms to a doctor
Education
Requesting better books for the library
Perguntas frequentes
12 perguntasThey are similar, but advocate for is more active. While 'support' can be silent, 'advocating' requires you to speak up or take action.
Yes! You can advocate for a colleague, a student, or a friend who needs help being heard.
It can be used ironically or for emphasis in texts, like saying I'm advocating for a nap right now. It adds a funny, dramatic touch.
This is someone who is very loud and frequent about their support for a cause, like a vocal advocate for animal rights.
As a verb, use advocate for (e.g., I advocate for peace). As a noun, you are 'an advocate' (e.g., She is an advocate for the poor).
Absolutely. Saying you advocate for your team shows you are a strong, supportive leader.
It means pretending to be against an idea just to see if the idea can stand up to questioning. It's a common way to test logic.
Usually, yes. You generally advocate for things you believe are good or necessary. You wouldn't typically advocate for something harmful.
Constantly. Politicians advocate for new laws, tax cuts, or social programs every single day.
The opposite would be to 'oppose' or 'argue against' something.
Yes, self-advocacy is a very popular concept in education and career growth. It means standing up for your own rights.
Yes, because while the meaning is simple, using it with the correct nuance and register shows a high level of English mastery.
Frases relacionadas
Champion a cause
To lead the support for a specific movement or idea.
Speak up for
A more informal way to say you are supporting someone who is being ignored.
Lobby for
To try to influence politicians or people in power to change a law or policy.
Stand up for
To defend someone or something that is being attacked or criticized.
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