a support for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a support for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that provides assistance, help, or reinforcement for a particular purpose or cause. Example: "The organization serves as a support for local artists, helping them gain exposure and funding for their projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it a support for the government?

The New York Times

"The house has really been a support for me.

The New York Times

Civet can also act as a support for another material.

The New York Times - Style

Experts speculate that it was used as a support for an offering.

The New York Times - Travel

Works: hamstrings, core Use your office chair as a support for the back foot.

The Guardian

Carol Taubl is not only a support for her daughter, but an accompanist as well.

The New York Times

Thus, the mandala becomes a support for meditation, an instrument to provoke visions of the unseen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The stringers are the long boards that run horizontally between the posts to provide a support for the pickets.

The New York Times

It is a restatement in theory of a support for two states, while in practice never finding the conditions suitable.

The Guardian

5) Energy-efficient technologies provide a support for demand response.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Technology is no longer just a support for retail.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a support for", ensure the noun following 'for' clearly identifies what is being supported. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple instances of "a support for" in one sentence. Break down complex ideas into simpler sentences for better readability and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a support for" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies something that provides assistance, help, or reinforcement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe something that aids or props up another element, idea, or entity. The provided examples demonstrate this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a support for" is a versatile noun phrase that identifies something providing assistance or stability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts, from science to news and media. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance clarity, ensure the noun following 'for' clearly indicates what's being supported, and avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. Alternatives such as "an aid to" or "a resource for" can provide subtle shifts in meaning, enriching your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an aid to

Focuses more on providing assistance or help toward a specific goal.

a resource for

Highlights the availability of something that can be used for support.

a foundation for

Emphasizes the role of providing a basic structure or underlying support.

an assistance to

A more formal way of saying 'aid to', implying help and support.

a basis for

Indicates a starting point or justification for something.

a pillar of

Suggests a strong and reliable source of support.

a backbone of

Highlights the essential and structural role of support.

a vehicle for

Emphasizes the role of facilitating or enabling something.

a facilitator of

Highlights the process of making something easier or more possible.

a catalyst for

Suggests the initiation or acceleration of a process.

FAQs

How can I use "a support for" in a sentence?

Use "a support for" to indicate something provides assistance or reinforcement. For example, "The new policy is "a support for local businesses"."

What are some alternatives to "a support for"?

Consider using alternatives like "an aid to", "a resource for", or "a foundation for" depending on the specific context.

Is "support to" or "support for" grammatically correct?

"Support for" is generally preferred and more common when indicating what is being aided or reinforced. "Support to" can be used, but it often implies a more direct action of giving support.

What's the difference between "a support for" and "supporting"?

"A support for" is a noun phrase that identifies something as a source of aid. "Supporting" is a verb form that describes the action of providing assistance. For instance, "This policy is "a support for families"" versus "The government is supporting families".