a supportive force

USAGE SUMMARY

'a supportive force' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a positive influence or something that is helping to motivate, encourage, or bolster someone. For example, "This online community has been a supportive force for me during this difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I do know that I never felt that my parents were a supportive force in my life, and that assessment, made as a teenager, remains intact today.

The New York Times

Neutrons, like electrons, are fermions, and two neutrons may not be in the same state, and this neutron crowding provides a supportive force against the intense gravitational pressure.

Cornell University

He had been a supportive force, inviting her and Gavin to share the bedroom he had in his sister's apartment, enjoying moments of surrogate fatherhood with the little boy.

The New York Times

Ralph is also a supportive force in Spencer's life.

Vice

The reason I stayed so long was because Brandice was such a supportive force during the internship.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Now, it doesn't hurt that I am staying in a brand new hotel and have the supportive force of NBC behind me.

Huffington Post

Mr. Sharif said he had no personal enmity with President Zardari and pledged to be a supportive opposition force.

The New York Times

A novel cell geometry with improved fatigue life and radial supportive force is introduced for Nitinol self-expandable stent-grafts used for treating abdominal aortic aneurism.

Journal of Biomechanics

For an expectant mom in labor, one of the most supportive forces in the delivery room is often her own mother.

HuffPost

After all, police forces, non-profit organizations and social workers are all but supportive forces that enhance the effect of good policies.

University of California, Berkeley

Among the weapons that Conflict Armament Research examined were M16 and M4 rifles stamped "Property of U.S. Govt". Such weapons are also in the hands of irregular Shiite forces in Iraq, where the United States provided hundreds of thousands of small arms to supportive forces during its long occupation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a supportive force", consider the specific type of support being offered, such as emotional, practical, or financial. Tailor your language to reflect the nature of the support.

Common error

Avoid using "a supportive force" when referring to temporary or conditional aid. The phrase implies a sustained and reliable source of help.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a supportive force" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "supportive" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "force". It is used to describe something or someone that provides help, encouragement, or strength. As noted by Ludwig AI, this is correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a supportive force" is a noun phrase used to describe something or someone that provides help, encouragement, or strength. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with some presence in academic and scientific writing. The phrase is considered grammatically correct with neutral register, conveying a positive impact or influence. While not exceedingly common, its consistent presence across reputable sources solidifies its appropriateness in formal and informal communication. To expand your writing, consider related phrases like "a helping hand" or "a pillar of support" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a helping hand

Emphasizes direct assistance or aid.

a source of strength

Focuses on the provision of inner fortitude or resilience.

a pillar of support

Suggests a reliable and steadfast form of assistance.

a bedrock of encouragement

Highlights the provision of motivation and positive reinforcement.

a champion of assistance

Implies active advocacy and promotion of aid.

a sustaining influence

Highlights a continuous and vital form of support.

a facilitating presence

Focuses on making things easier or smoother.

a comforting presence

Emphasizes emotional support and reassurance.

a boost of confidence

Concentrates on improving one's self-assurance.

a resource for encouragement

Highlights provision of multiple opportunities to improve.

FAQs

How can I use "a supportive force" in a sentence?

You can use "a supportive force" to describe something or someone that provides encouragement and assistance. For example, "Her family was "a supportive force" during her illness".

What are some alternatives to "a supportive force"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a helping hand", "a source of strength", or "a pillar of support".

Is it appropriate to use "a supportive force" in formal writing?

Yes, "a supportive force" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing the positive impact of something or someone. However, make sure that the context calls for such usage and that it isn't an overstatement.

What is the difference between "a supportive force" and "a support system"?

"A supportive force" usually refers to a single entity or factor providing aid, whereas "a support system" implies a network or group of resources and individuals offering assistance.