are backed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are backed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate support or endorsement from a source or authority. Example: "The new policy changes are backed by extensive research and expert opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The shops are backed by venture capitalists.

The New York Times

They are backed by other Western powers.

The Economist

His claims are backed by research.

Independent

The retailers' efforts are backed by research.

The New York Times - Tech

Harwick's concerns are backed by solid evidence.

The Guardian

The pair's predictions are backed by polls.

The Guardian

Agarwal's conclusions are backed by data.

The Guardian

Some opinions are backed by fact.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The recommendations were backed by the government.

The New York Times

The extension has been backed by Welsh Conservatives.

Independent

Some were backed by doctors' associations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are backed by" to clearly indicate the source of support, evidence, or authority behind a claim or statement. This adds credibility and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Ensure that when using "are backed by", you specify who or what is providing the backing. Avoid vague statements like "it's backed by science" without citing specific studies or researchers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are backed by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject receives support or validation from a specified source. Ludwig examples illustrate this, demonstrating how claims, efforts, or opinions are substantiated by evidence, research, or authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are backed by" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate that a subject receives support or validation from a specified source. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using "are backed by", ensure clear attribution to the supporting entity to strengthen your argument and enhance credibility. While alternatives like "are supported by" and "are endorsed by" exist, "are backed by" succinctly conveys the concept of having a solid foundation or guarantee.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are supported by

Replaces "backed" with "supported", emphasizing the act of providing assistance or validation.

are endorsed by

Substitutes "backed" with "endorsed", highlighting a formal approval or recommendation.

are founded on

Replaces "backed by" with "founded on", focusing on the underlying basis or principle.

are underpinned by

Uses "underpinned by" instead of "backed by", emphasizing a structural or fundamental support.

are substantiated by

Changes "backed by" to "substantiated by", stressing the provision of evidence or proof.

are reinforced by

Replaces "backed by" with "reinforced by", highlighting the strengthening effect of additional support.

are validated by

Uses "validated by" to indicate that something has been confirmed or proven true.

rest on

A more concise alternative emphasizing the reliance on a particular basis.

rely on

Another shorter alternative indicating dependence on something for support.

are guaranteed by

Replaces "backed" with "guaranteed", indicating a formal assurance or promise.

FAQs

What does "are backed by" mean?

The phrase "are backed by" means something is supported, endorsed, or guaranteed by someone or something else. For example, "The claims "are backed by research"" indicates that research supports the claims.

Which is correct, "are backed by" or "is backed by"?

The correct form depends on the subject's plurality. Use "are backed by" for plural subjects (e.g., "The policies are backed by data"), and "is backed by" for singular subjects (e.g., "The policy is backed by data").

What can I say instead of "are backed by"?

You can use alternatives like "are supported by", "are endorsed by", or "are founded on" depending on the context.

How to use "are backed by" in a sentence?

Use "are backed by" to show that something is supported or guaranteed by something else. For example, "These proposals "are backed by evidence"" demonstrates that the proposals have supporting evidence.