are backing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are backing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate support or endorsement for someone or something, often in a present continuous context. Example: "The community leaders are backing the new initiative to improve local schools."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Shoppers too are backing butter.

Independent

More churches are backing BDS.

The Economist

"We are backing business.

The Guardian

They are backing winners.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other states are backing off voluntarily.

The Economist

Many businessmen are backing his plans.

The Economist

Several religious leaders are backing the effort.

The New York Times

"Investors are backing a national champion.

The New York Times

The Conservatives are backing fairness.

The Guardian

PG: corporates are backing crowdfunding.

The Guardian

The authorities are backing the repatriation scheme.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance of "are backing" compared to alternatives like "are endorsing" or "are sponsoring". Choose the word that best reflects the nature and extent of the support being described.

Common error

While "are backing" is versatile, it might sound too informal in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for more formal alternatives like "are supporting" or "are endorsing" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are backing" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating ongoing support or endorsement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression. Examples show it used to describe support for businesses, political figures, or initiatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are backing" is a present continuous verb phrase used to indicate ongoing support or endorsement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it may be less suitable for highly formal settings. Consider alternative phrases like "are supporting" or "are endorsing" for increased formality. Pay attention to the specific context to ensure the most appropriate word choice, especially considering the nuance between providing general support versus providing financial resources. Always clarify what is receiving the backing to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are supporting

A direct synonym, indicating active support for something.

are endorsing

Implies a formal approval or recommendation.

are advocating

Suggests public support and promotion of a cause or idea.

are championing

Emphasizes active and enthusiastic support.

are promoting

Focuses on raising awareness and encouraging adoption.

are sponsoring

Indicates financial or material support.

are funding

Specifically refers to providing financial resources.

are assisting

Suggests providing help or aid.

are aiding

Similar to assisting, but can imply more urgent help.

are underwriting

Implies financial guarantee or assumption of risk.

FAQs

How can I use "are backing" in a sentence?

The phrase "are backing" is used to indicate support for someone or something. For example, "Many investors "are backing the company"" or "Several religious leaders "are backing the effort"".

What phrases are similar to "are backing"?

Similar phrases include "are supporting", "are endorsing", or "are advocating". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "are backing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "are backing" might be perceived as less formal than alternatives like "are supporting" or "are endorsing". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "are backing" and "are sponsoring"?

"Are backing" generally implies support, while "are sponsoring" specifically suggests providing financial or material resources. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the nature of the support being given.