are very supportive

USAGE SUMMARY

"are very supportive" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a group of people or individuals who are helping and encouraging each other. For example, "My friends are very supportive; they always take the time to listen to me and offer helpful advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"My family is very traditional, but my parents are very supportive, very kind," she said.

Los Angeles Times

They are very supportive.

The Guardian

"Our families are very supportive.

Independent

"The people are very supportive.

The New York Times

"Her parents," said Khalifa, "are very supportive".

The New York Times - Sports

"They are very supportive of the strategy".

The New York Times

My mum and dad are very supportive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Arab League are very supportive.

The Guardian

"All our girls are very supportive," says Simon Johnston.

The Guardian - Music

"The teachers are very supportive of us coming in".

The New York Times

"People are very supportive when you're the underdog.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are very supportive", ensure the context clearly indicates who is providing the support and to whom. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are very supportive" without specifying who is providing the support. For instance, instead of saying, "The project was successful because they are very supportive", clarify who "they" refers to (e.g., "The project was successful because the team members are very supportive").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are very supportive" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, attributing the quality of providing significant help and encouragement to a subject. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are very supportive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig, that describes individuals or groups offering considerable help and encouragement. Its usage spans diverse contexts, from news articles to personal anecdotes, emphasizing its versatility. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial; ensure the source and recipient of the support are clearly identified. Alternatives like "are extremely helpful" or "provide strong encouragement" can add nuance to your writing. The phrase’s prevalence across reputable sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are truly encouraging

Highlights the genuine and uplifting nature of the support.

are extremely helpful

Focuses on providing practical aid and being of service.

provide strong encouragement

Focuses on the act of giving confidence and motivation.

demonstrate substantial support

Highlights the active display of assistance and backing.

offer considerable backing

Emphasizes the extent of support provided.

lend significant assistance

Highlights the act of helping in a substantial way.

give considerable aid

Focuses on providing help or resources to someone.

show great approval

Indicates strong agreement or positive sentiment.

are remarkably understanding

Emphasizes empathy and acceptance.

are fiercely protective

Focuses on defending and safeguarding someone or something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are very supportive"?

You can use alternatives like "are extremely helpful", "provide strong encouragement", or "offer considerable backing" to add variety to your writing.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "are very supportive"?

The phrase "are very supportive" is appropriate in contexts where you want to highlight the helpful and encouraging nature of individuals, groups, or systems. This could be in professional, personal, or academic settings.

Is "are very supportive of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "are very supportive of" is grammatically correct. It's often followed by a noun or gerund phrase to indicate what is being supported (e.g., "They are very supportive of my career choices").

What's the difference between "are very supportive" and "are slightly supportive"?

"Are very supportive" indicates a high level of encouragement and help, whereas "are slightly supportive" suggests minimal or limited support. The former conveys strong approval and active assistance, while the latter implies a more passive or less enthusiastic stance.