a bastion of support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bastion of support" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a stronghold or source of unwavering assistance or encouragement in various contexts, such as personal relationships, communities, or organizations. Example: "In times of crisis, her family served as a bastion of support, helping her navigate through the challenges she faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

In Masaya, a bastion of support for Mr. Ortega's Sandinista movement, government supporters attacked protesters with sticks, Reuters reported.

The New York Times

One precinct in the Abidjan district of Yopougon, a bastion of support for Mr Gbagbo, was a virtual ghost town, as FPI supporters adhered to the party's call to boycott.

The Economist

During the Reformation Staffordshire was a bastion of support for Roman Catholicism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The city, once a hotspot for fighting between communist rebels and security forces, is a bastion of support for Duterte.

The Guardian

"Mr. Karzai is a good man, but he doesn't have a bastion of support from the people.

The New York Times

When the Labour party was all but wiped out in parts of England, Scotland remained a bastion of support.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Damascus has been a bastion of government support.

The New York Times

Residents in January 23, a bastion of Chávez support, used buses and trucks to block streets.

The New York Times

These wealthy suburban communities, once a bastion of Republican support, have been trending Democratic, Mr. Bass said.

The New York Times

A separate group of rebels waged a fierce battle near the Rixos Hotel, a bastion of Qaddafi support near the city center.

The New York Times

Last week, he said, he watched fellow protesters at the university — in Syria's commercial hub, long a bastion of government support — advance under government fire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bastion of support" to emphasize the protective and reliable nature of assistance, especially when referring to institutions, communities, or long-standing relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "a bastion of support" in contexts where the support is wavering or unreliable. The phrase implies a strong and unwavering source of assistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bastion of support" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a place, group, or thing that offers significant and reliable assistance. Ludwig confirms that this is a usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bastion of support" is a common and grammatically sound English phrase used to describe a reliable and strong source of assistance. Ludwig confirms that it is correct and usable. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, where it emphasizes the protective and unwavering nature of the support being described. While suitable for formal writing, it's crucial to ensure that the context aligns with the connotation of steadfastness. Alternatives such as "a pillar of strength" or "a stronghold of support" offer similar meanings, each with slight differences in emphasis. When using the phrase, be mindful of its implications and avoid contexts where the support is uncertain or wavering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stronghold of support

Synonymous, replacing 'bastion' with 'stronghold', another term for a fortified place.

a bedrock of support

Conveys the idea of a fundamental and unshakeable foundation of assistance.

a pillar of strength

Emphasizes the reliable and unwavering nature of the support provided, suggesting steadfastness.

a bulwark of defense

Emphasizes the protective function, like a defensive wall against adversity.

a tower of strength

Implies a more imposing and resilient form of support, like a fortified structure.

a fortress of solidarity

Suggests a defensive alliance providing mutual support and protection.

a source of strength

Focuses on the empowering aspect, highlighting the provision of inner power rather than external defense.

an anchor of stability

Focuses on providing stability and security, preventing someone or something from faltering.

a constant source of help

Underscores the continuous and unwavering nature of the assistance.

a reliable source of aid

Highlights the dependability of the assistance, shifting focus to the provision of help.

FAQs

How can I use "a bastion of support" in a sentence?

You can use "a bastion of support" to describe anything that provides strong and reliable assistance. For example: "The community became "a bastion of support" for families during the crisis."

What are some alternatives to "a bastion of support"?

Some alternatives include "a pillar of strength", "a source of strength", or "a stronghold of support". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a bastion of support" in formal writing?

Yes, "a bastion of support" is suitable for formal writing. It is a well-established phrase that is commonly used in news, academic papers, and business reports.

What makes something "a bastion of support" rather than just supportive?

Calling something "a bastion of support" implies it is not just helpful, but also a fortified, reliable, and unwavering source of assistance. It suggests a strong and protective role.