affirming

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "affirming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this word when you are expressing an agreement or approval of something. For example, "My supervisor gave me an affirming nod when I finished my report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

That is why we must be united and strong in rejecting their ways, and affirming peace and progress as our chosen determined collective right".

The Guardian

Inside the Commons they have taken their dispatch box selfies, have made their prickly point by affirming rather than taking the oath, and have played silly buggers with Dennis Skinner over who sits where.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Turkey, today, you can go to jail – and some do – for affirming that there was a genocide in 1915; this counts as the crime of "insulting Turkishness" under Section 301 of its criminal code.

The Guardian - Books

To establish eligibility, students will have to produce written statements from their parents or guardians and health professionals affirming their gender identity.

The Guardian

In affirming its "right" to free speech, Charlie Hebdo has used a blunt instrument to smash apart a genuine moment of hope and togetherness.

The Guardian - Opinion

The problem is that Turkey – "neuralgic" on the subject (the word used privately by the British Foreign Office to describe its attitude) – has threatened reprisals and is too important geopolitically to provoke by affirming the genocide, lest it carry out threats to close its airbases to Nato and its borders to refugees.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Today, Guantánamo Bay offers constant evidence of America's hypocrisy, evidence that is disturbing for those who sympathise with it, cause-affirming for those who hate it.

The Economist

I also relished Desert Island Discs generally, but the Kathy Burke edition (August) in particular: this was fine radio, revelatory and life-affirming, and nothing more complicated than a chat over some music.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Amazon's superb, life-affirming dramedy Transparent is better by every conceivable measure, including height.

The Guardian

Loads of things happen – some good, some negative – but this was a life-affirming kind of day, to see someone so at ease with their work.

The Guardian - Arts

Optimists go skydiving to experience a life-affirming surge of adrenaline, but pessimists steer clear because they know they'll plummet headfirst into a flock of geese, and then their canopy won't open, and then their plane will crash-land and explode right on top of their shattered almost-corpse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "affirming", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being supported or confirmed. For example, "affirming their commitment" is more precise than simply "affirming".

Common error

Avoid using "affirming" as a generic term of agreement without specifying what is being affirmed. Instead of saying "The results were affirming", specify what aspect of the results was positive, such as "The results were affirming of our initial hypothesis".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "affirming" is that of a present participle, often used as part of a continuous verb tense or as an adjective. It indicates an ongoing action of confirming or supporting something, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "affirming" is a grammatically correct present participle used to express agreement, support, or validation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify what is being affirmed and avoid using it as a vague positive statement. Consider related phrases like "confirming", "asserting", or "endorsing" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confirming

This alternative offers a direct synonym, focusing on validating or establishing something as true.

asserting

This alternative implies a strong declaration or statement of fact.

upholding

This alternative suggests maintaining or defending a principle or decision.

endorsing

This alternative means expressing public approval or support for something.

validating

This alternative indicates confirming the accuracy or legitimacy of something.

ratifying

This alternative refers to formally approving or sanctioning a document or agreement.

corroborating

This alternative means providing evidence to support or confirm a statement or theory.

attesting to

This alternative implies providing evidence or acting as a witness to something.

substantiating

This alternative denotes providing evidence to prove the truth of something.

pledging

This alternative conveys a firm commitment or promise to support something.

FAQs

How can I use "affirming" in a sentence?

You can use "affirming" to show support or validation of something. For example, "The study is affirming the link between diet and health" or "The company released a statement affirming its commitment to sustainability".

What are some alternatives to using "affirming"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "confirming", "asserting", "endorsing", or "validating".

What does "affirming" mean in the context of gender identity?

In the context of gender identity, "affirming" means acknowledging and supporting a person's gender identity. This could involve using their preferred pronouns, supporting their choices, or advocating for their rights.

Is there a difference between "affirming" and "confirming"?

"Affirming" often implies a stronger sense of support or agreement, while "confirming" suggests verifying or establishing something as true. For example, you might "confirm" a reservation, but "affirm" your belief in someone's abilities.