are supported by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are supported by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is backed or upheld by evidence, data, or authority. Example: "The findings of the research are supported by extensive data collected over several years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These results are supported by surveys.

The New York Times

Her claims are supported by medical evidence.

The Guardian

Gothic cathedrals are supported by flying buttocks.

The New York Times

Dogster and Catster are supported by advertising.

The New York Times - Tech

What FSTs are supported by the data?

Cornell University

The copiers are supported by HUIT.

Harvard University

These conclusions are supported by sufficient evidence.

Stanford University

All views are supported by flexible tools.

Computer Networks

These analytical observations are supported by simulations.

Automatica

The theoretical results are supported by simulations.

Automatica

Both approaches are supported by development environment.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are supported by", ensure that the evidence or source of support is clearly identified to enhance clarity and credibility. For example, instead of saying "The claims are supported by evidence", specify: "The claims are supported by data from the national survey".

Common error

Avoid using "are supported by" without specifying what provides the support. Vague statements like "The idea is supported" lack precision and can weaken your argument. Always clarify the source of support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are supported by" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that a subject receives validation, justification, or reinforcement from a specified source. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are supported by" is a widely used passive verb phrase that serves to validate, justify, or reinforce claims by referencing supporting evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for diverse contexts. Its prevalence in science, news, and business reflects its utility in establishing credibility and strengthening arguments. To maximize clarity, specifying the source of support is recommended. While versatile, the phrase benefits from clear, precise usage, ensuring the evidence is clearly linked to the assertion. Alternatives like "are backed by" or "are reinforced by" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis, but the core function remains consistent: to provide assurance and build confidence in the information presented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are sustained by

Focuses on the idea of something being maintained or kept going by something else.

are strengthened by

Highlights the idea of reinforcement and making something more robust.

are backed by

Emphasizes the idea of having support or resources behind something.

are helped by

Indicates assistance or aid being provided.

are complemented by

Suggests that something enhances or completes another thing.

are sponsored by

Highlights financial or other forms of support from an external entity.

are assisted by

Focuses on the act of being helped or aided.

are underpinned by

Emphasizes the foundational support or basis for something.

rely on

Indicates dependence on something for support.

are reinforced by

Similar to "strengthened", focusing on the action of making something stronger.

FAQs

How can I use "are supported by" in a sentence?

The phrase "are supported by" indicates that certain claims, ideas, or conclusions have evidence or data backing them up. For instance, "These findings "are supported by" extensive research" shows that research validates the findings.

What are some alternatives to "are supported by"?

Alternatives include "are backed by", "are reinforced by", or "are underpinned by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different emphasis on the type of support.

Which is correct: "is supported by" or "are supported by"?

The choice depends on the subject. Use "is supported by" for singular subjects (e.g., "The theory is supported by data") and "are supported by" for plural subjects (e.g., "The arguments "are supported by" evidence").

What's the difference between "are supported by" and "are influenced by"?

"Are supported by" implies direct backing or validation, while "are influenced by" suggests that something has an effect on something else without necessarily validating it. For example, "Results "are supported by" data" means the data confirms the results, whereas "Decisions are influenced by opinions" means opinions affect the decisions.