as a sort of support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a sort of support" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that provides assistance or reinforcement in a general or informal way. Example: "The new software functions as a sort of support for our existing systems, helping to streamline processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For them, piano competitions act as a sort of support group.

The New York Times

Here's a thread, for example, where people fretting over the decision to buy an iPhone 3Gs can use each other as a sort of support group.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Like a sort of support group.

The Guardian - Opinion

'I am really a sort of support for the DNs, you could say' 2C.

BMC Family Practice

They run down either side as a sort of structural support to hold the beans in.

Vice

Electroclash, the neophyte genre that blended post-punk New Wave aesthetic with techno sounds and house sensibilities, had acted as a sort of life-support for a couple of post-Millennial years but by 2004, the gag had essentially worn out its ironic throwback stance.

Vice

As a sort-of declaration of sort-of interest, I support this idea of a progressive alliance entirely.

The Guardian - Opinion

A: Sort of.

Independent

Such functioning as a sort of valve is also supported by measurements of the diameter of the opening versus the width of the pouch.

BMC Biology

The Apache software foundation, whose open-source server software burst onto the tech scene in the 1990s, led to many vendors trying a similar strategy — essentially, selling customers support as a sort of insurance policy on their deployments, which some users considered risky because they were based on open-source technology.

TechCrunch

She explains the Analogue Support Facility as a sort of safehouse, where she was able to come and go when she wanted.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a sort of support" when you want to indicate that something functions as a general or informal aid, without implying it is the primary or only source of assistance.

Common error

Avoid using "as a sort of support" when describing the main or essential form of assistance. This phrase implies a secondary or less critical role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a sort of support" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by describing something providing supplementary or non-essential assistance. Ludwig identifies its role in adding context to the function of support.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a sort of support" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something that provides assistance or reinforcement, but not necessarily as the primary or essential means of support. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable, though relatively rare in occurrence. It's suitable for informal contexts, conveying a sense of supplemental or general aid, as exemplified by Ludwig's analysis. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "as a form of support" or "in a supportive capacity".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a kind of assistance

Replaces 'sort of' with 'kind of', maintaining the informal and general sense of aid.

as a form of support

Substitutes 'sort of' with 'form of', providing a slightly more formal tone.

in the role of support

Emphasizes the function or role of providing support.

serving as a support

Highlights the action of providing support.

functioning as assistance

Focuses on the operational aspect of providing assistance.

acting as a source of help

Replaces 'support' with 'help', emphasizing the act of aiding.

as a means of support

Highlights the way support is given.

in a supportive capacity

Focuses on the role and ability to provide assistance.

providing a degree of support

Underscores the level of support given, suggesting it might not be complete.

as a helpful resource

Replaces 'support' with 'resource', highlighting the availability of assistance.

FAQs

How can I use "as a sort of support" in a sentence?

You can use "as a sort of support" to describe something that functions as a general or informal aid. For example, "The online forum acts "as a sort of support" for students struggling with the course material".

What can I say instead of "as a sort of support"?

You can use alternatives like "as a form of assistance", "in a supportive capacity", or "serving as a support" depending on the context.

Is "as a sort of support" formal or informal?

"As a sort of support" is generally considered informal. For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "as a form of support" or "in a supportive role".

When is it appropriate to use "as a sort of support"?

It is appropriate to use "as a sort of support" when you want to describe something providing assistance in a non-primary or non-critical way. It suggests the support is helpful but not necessarily essential.