are intended to bolster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are intended to bolster" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the purpose or goal of something, particularly in contexts related to support, enhancement, or strengthening. Example: "The new policies are intended to bolster employee morale and productivity within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

All these moves are intended to bolster its position as the industry leader.

The New York Times

The ads are intended to bolster Mr. Romney, who is already getting support from the Restore Our Future "super PAC".

The New York Times

The two acquisitions are intended to bolster Hewlett-Packard's aggressive efforts to sell big corporate customers energy-efficient data centers that can operate with fewer people.

The New York Times - Tech

The moves are intended to bolster Intel's reach into new markets, but may also have an effect on the American market for computers in education.

The New York Times - Tech

On the contrary, it looks as though the changes are intended to bolster a vision for Microsoft that Mr. Ballmer articulated in a letter to shareholders last October, when he said Microsoft sees itself as a devices and services company.

The New York Times

More specifically, the excerpts are intended to bolster arguments made by Raechel L. Adams, a lawyer for the commission, that "discrimination against women and mothers in compensation, demotions and other terms, conditions or privileges of employment has been standard operating procedure since at least 2002".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The proposed requirement was intended to bolster competition among the banks.

The New York Times

The move was intended to bolster deterrence against the North and to prevent unnecessary escalation.

The New York Times

Two other changes were intended to bolster the agency's services and enforcement duties, officials said.

The New York Times

The release was intended to bolster the Palestinian president before Ms. Rice arrived.

The New York Times

Although this policy is intended to bolster "food security", it has actually caused food imports to rise.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are intended to bolster", ensure that the subject clearly defines what is being supported or strengthened. For example, "These reforms are intended to bolster economic growth."

Common error

Avoid using "are intended to bolster" in very casual writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "are meant to help" or "are designed to boost" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are intended to bolster" functions as a purpose connector, linking an action or plan to its intended outcome of strengthening or supporting something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound and commonly used in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are intended to bolster" serves as a purpose connector, clearly stating the intention to strengthen or support a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for professional or formal communication. While the frequency of the phrase leans toward uncommon, it’s well-represented in news and media, with some presence in formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being supported and consider slightly less formal alternatives like "are meant to help" for more casual situations. The analysis indicates that the phrase is effective for expressing the purpose of reinforcing or enhancing a subject, mainly in professional and formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aim to strengthen

Focuses on the action of strengthening, slightly more active voice.

seek to reinforce

Emphasizes the effort to reinforce, suggesting a proactive approach.

are designed to augment

Highlights the design aspect, with "augment" implying an increase in something.

are meant to underpin

Suggests providing a foundation or support from below.

plan to fortify

Implies strengthening against potential opposition or weakness.

serve to enhance

Focuses on the serving function, with "enhance" suggesting improvement.

are used to reinforce

Highlights the act of reinforcing a claim, idea, or structure.

are geared toward supporting

Emphasizes alignment with the goal of supporting.

purport to aid

Suggests a claim of aiding or assisting, with possible uncertainty.

look to solidify

Focuses on the act of solidifying, implying making something more stable or firm.

FAQs

How can I use "are intended to bolster" in a sentence?

Use "are intended to bolster" when describing the purpose of an action or initiative, indicating that it aims to strengthen or support something. For example, "The new policies are intended to bolster the company's financial performance."

What's a less formal way to say "are intended to bolster"?

For a less formal tone, you could use alternatives like "are meant to help", "are designed to boost", or "aim to strengthen" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is intended to bolster" instead of "are intended to bolster"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is intended to bolster" with a singular subject (e.g., "The plan is intended to bolster morale"), and "are intended to bolster" with a plural subject (e.g., "The changes are intended to bolster productivity").

How does "are intended to bolster" differ from "are designed to bolster"?

"Are intended to bolster" focuses on the purpose or goal, while "are designed to bolster" emphasizes the specific design or structure that achieves the bolstering effect. The difference is subtle, and they are often interchangeable.