Support

USAGE SUMMARY

'support' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used when providing help or aid to someone, such as in the sentence "We are offering our support to the victims of the natural disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are very aware of the impact it will have on those involved and we are doing all we can to provide our support to those injured and their families.

The Guardian

They think it's unfair to expect Germany to make an open-ended commitment to support these countries in the absence of meaningful reform.

The New York Times

I can no longer support Govt policy on #Gaza".

The Guardian

Others want to find things that support what they want the party to do in the future.

The Guardian

If they are ruling out these extreme cuts for the most disabled and carers, then it is clear they will be hitting the tax credits, and support for children, for millions of working families".

The Guardian

So I don't support gay marriage despite being a Conservative.

The Economist

"I support gay marriage because I'm a Conservative".

The Economist

The support was fantastic".

The Guardian - Sport

There may be little appetite for further bloodshed from the Real IRA, and US president George Bush's new ultimatums on world terrorism may see further decline in support for Irish nationalists from the US.

The Guardian

The UN motion was passed on Tuesday night, with the support of the US, but a number of security council members condemned Russia's stance.

The Guardian

They knew he was making a mess of government and had lost support in the caucus.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "support" as a noun, provide context about the type of support being offered. For example, clarify if it is financial, emotional, or technical support.

Common error

Avoid using "support" without clarifying the nature of the support. Instead of saying "We offer support", specify "We offer technical support" or "We provide financial support" to provide a clear understanding.

Linguistic Context

The word "support" functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it indicates providing assistance, backing, or upholding something. As a noun, it refers to the assistance itself or the means of providing it. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "support" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, denoting assistance, backing, or maintenance. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across a multitude of contexts. It frequently appears in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, indicating its widespread relevance. Alternatives such as "provide assistance" or "offer backing" can add nuance, but clarity in specifying the type of support is crucial for effective communication. Mastering its usage enables precision in both expressing and understanding assistance in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be supportive of

Emphasizes the attitude of providing emotional or practical help to someone.

Provide assistance

Focuses on the act of giving help, emphasizing the action of aiding someone.

Stand by

Suggests loyalty and readiness to defend or help someone in need.

Offer backing

Implies providing approval and encouragement, often in a more formal setting.

Give encouragement

Highlights the act of inspiring confidence and hope through positive reinforcement.

Lend a hand

An informal way of offering help, suggesting a willingness to assist with a task.

Uphold

Highlights maintaining or defending something, like a principle or a decision.

Underpin

Suggests providing a foundation or basis for something, like an idea or a system.

Substantiate

Focuses on providing evidence to prove the truth of something.

Give sustenance

Implies providing something needed to maintain life or health, often used in a metaphorical sense.

FAQs

How can I use "support" in a sentence?

You can use "support" in sentences like, "We offer our support to the victims" or "The evidence supports his claims."

What are some synonyms for "support" that I can use?

Alternatives to "support" include "provide assistance", "offer backing", or "give encouragement", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "support" in a formal setting?

Use "support" in formal settings when discussing financial aid, endorsing policies, or providing professional assistance. For instance, "The company announced its support for the new environmental regulations."

Is there a difference between "support" and "help"?

"Support" often implies a more sustained or comprehensive form of assistance, while "help" can refer to a more immediate or temporary aid. For example, providing continuous "support" versus offering immediate "help" with a task.