a supporting brief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a supporting brief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or academic contexts to refer to a document that provides additional information or arguments to support a case or position. Example: "The attorney submitted a supporting brief to strengthen their argument in court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

They have filed a supporting brief calling his detention illegal.

The New York Times

Civil Liberties Union has filed a supporting brief.

The New Yorker

Ten victims' advocacy groups filed a supporting brief arguing that the subpoena was unconstitutional.

The New York Times

The American Psychiatric Association had filed a supporting brief in that case, saying expert opinions on the subject were useless.

The New York Times

In February, the advertiser association filed a supporting brief with the Supreme Court, urging that the Massachusetts regulations be overturned.

The New York Times

(I was one of dozens of advisers for a supporting brief filed by those who challenged the law).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

A second supporting brief, from religion scholars, was critical of Mr. Scott for his incivility.

The New York Times

The justices have received a pile of supporting briefs from human rights groups and law professors urging the court to hear the case.

The New York Times

The case has attracted an array of supporting briefs.

The New York Times

Renzi's lawyers argued -- with a supporting amicus brief from the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group -- that the Constitution's Speech or Debate clause barred prosecutors from using testimony from Renzi staffers.

Huffington Post

The solicitor general filed a brief supporting a stay because that would "serve compelling national interests".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal writing, precisely define the scope and purpose of "a supporting brief" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a supporting brief" is always a formal legal document. It can also refer to any document that bolsters a claim or argument in other contexts. Ensure the terminology matches the formality of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a supporting brief" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'filed', 'submitted'). It identifies a specific type of document that provides additional support to a main argument or position. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a supporting brief" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, predominantly found in news and legal contexts. It describes a document that reinforces a main argument. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what the brief supports and avoid overly broad interpretations of its purpose. Consider alternatives like "an amicus brief" or "a supplementary memorandum" for nuanced meanings. Remember that while primarily used in legal settings, the phrase can apply to any situation where additional documentation strengthens a claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an amicus brief

This refers to a brief filed by a 'friend of the court', someone not directly involved but with expertise.

a supplementary memorandum

Replaces 'brief' with 'memorandum' and 'supporting' with 'supplementary', indicating additional information.

an additional affidavit

Uses 'affidavit' to denote a sworn statement providing further evidence.

a corroborating document

Focuses on the confirmatory aspect of the brief with 'corroborating'.

a backup declaration

Replaces 'brief' with 'declaration,' implying a formal statement of support.

an endorsing statement

Emphasizes the endorsement aspect, moving away from a purely legal context.

a validation report

Shifts focus to a report that validates a claim or argument.

a confirmatory note

A less formal alternative, suitable when a simple confirmation is needed.

a substantiating file

Highlights the role of the brief in providing substance to an argument.

a reinforcement memo

Implies the brief serves to reinforce an existing point or argument.

FAQs

How is "a supporting brief" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "a supporting brief" is a document filed with a court that provides additional arguments or information to bolster one party's position. It's often filed by an organization or individual who isn't a direct party in the case, offering an expert opinion or alternative perspective.

What's the difference between "a supporting brief" and a primary brief?

A primary brief presents the main arguments for a case, while "a supporting brief" offers additional arguments or evidence to strengthen those primary arguments. The "supporting brief" is secondary and reinforces the main brief.

Who typically files "a supporting brief"?

Groups or individuals with a vested interest in the outcome of a case, such as advocacy organizations, experts in a relevant field, or other parties who want to offer their perspective, typically file "a supporting brief".

What are some alternatives to saying "a supporting brief"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an amicus brief", "a supplementary memorandum", or "a corroborating document" to convey a similar meaning.