a supporting one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a supporting one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that provides assistance or reinforcement to another element, often in contexts like arguments, statements, or structures. Example: "In the debate, she presented a strong argument, and her colleague offered a supporting one to strengthen their position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A fortnight ago at the Baftas, Waltz gave a lengthy and eloquent speech about how he was a "supported actor" as opposed to a supporting one.

The Guardian - Film

The role, though a supporting one, would make her one of the most influential players on the international stage, and it would represent at least one more act for one of the nation's most prominent public families, as former President Bill Clinton would also become an ad hoc member of the Obama team.

The New York Times

But this time the role is not a supporting one.

The New York Times

The Academy could also potentially pull a fast one on Harvey Weinstein by rewarding Mara with a best actress nod – although the distributor has her campaigning for a supporting one.

The Guardian - Film

Most shows would kill for Gillian Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Richard Armitage, Eddie Izzard and Zachary Quinto to be in a lead cast, let alone a supporting one, but Hannibal has just that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

AI will change the workplace -- this much is true -- but its role will be a supporting one.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Moreover, it's naive to think that money from industry is a monolith supporting one side of a debate.

The New York Times

The relationship between Italian tile and equipment manufacturers was a mutually supporting one, made even more so by close proximity.

Harvard Business Review

Delegating tasks, working as a team, and supporting one another's efforts are key to healthy personal and professional relationships.

Forbes

These strips were placed in a slit on the platform supporting one of the testing feeders.

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology

He helped with an amicus brief supporting one of the legal challenges.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a supporting one", ensure that the context clearly indicates what it is supporting to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a supporting argument" or "a supporting role".

Common error

Avoid using "a supporting one" without explicitly mentioning what is being supported. This can lead to confusion and weaken your message. Be specific by saying something like, "a supporting detail" or "a supporting piece of evidence."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a supporting one" functions as a noun phrase, where "supporting" acts as an adjective modifying the pronoun "one". It refers to something or someone that provides assistance, reinforcement, or validation to another element. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a supporting one" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that acts as a noun phrase to indicate something that provides aid, validation, or reinforcement. Ludwig AI shows the phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is being supported to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives like "an assisting one" or "a reinforcing one" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an assisting one

Emphasis on the act of providing direct help or aid.

an aiding one

Similar to 'assisting,' but can imply a more general or informal type of help.

a reinforcing one

Highlights the strengthening or bolstering effect.

a bolstering one

Conveys the idea of providing strong support or encouragement.

a corroborating one

Focuses on confirming or validating something else.

a substantiating one

Focuses on providing evidence or proof.

a validating one

Emphasizes the act of confirming the truth or accuracy.

an underpinning one

Highlights the foundational or fundamental nature of the support.

a secondary one

Implies a lower level of importance or priority.

a backup one

Suggests a reserve or alternative option.

FAQs

How can I use "a supporting one" in a sentence?

You can use "a supporting one" to describe something that provides assistance or reinforcement to something else. For instance, "He offered "a supporting argument" to bolster his colleague's claim." Always ensure the context makes clear what's being supported.

What's a good alternative to "a supporting one"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "an assisting one", "a reinforcing one", or "a corroborating one". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what "a supporting one" is supporting?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what is being supported typically enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, saying "a supporting element" is clearer than simply "a supporting one".

Can "a supporting one" refer to a person?

Yes, although it's more common to use "a supporting role" or "a supporting actor" when referring to a person's contribution. However, "a supporting one" could be used in a more abstract sense, such as "He played "a supporting one" in the team's success".