as a supportive reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a supportive reference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something serves as a helpful or encouraging source of information or evidence. Example: "The study was included as a supportive reference to strengthen the argument presented in the paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The learner's guide developed for the training was available as a supportive reference.

Global health, science and practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At one point, Private Abdo shouted several remarks, including a supportive reference to Maj.

The New York Times

International agencies advocate institutional and national-level endorsement of harm reduction as a feature of national strategy.33 158 We adopt evidence of explicit supportive reference to harm reduction in national strategy as an indicator of enabling policy environment.

BMJ Open

Coordinated national strategy to HIV prevention and drug use Explicit and supportive reference to 'harm reduction' in national policy documents can mark a commitment to evidence-based interventions as part of HIV prevention responses targeting PWID.

BMJ Open

She is remembered as a supportive, encouraging and inspiring teacher.

The Guardian - Film

He now sees Mr. Nalebuff as a supportive colleague.

The New York Times

Her father, H.C. (John Cullum), is not so much a paternal figure as a supportive observer.

The New Yorker

Physical models, as a supportive piece of information delivery, can be a useful information tool.

Visualization in Engineering

Quantitative data has been seen as a supportive element to the peer review process [23].

European Transport Research Review

LLLT has recently been used as a supportive technique in BRONJ treatment.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

SCT and the Sydney School see feedback as a supportive dialogic process between the teacher and the learner.

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a supportive reference", ensure the reference genuinely adds value and reinforces your main argument, rather than being a mere addition. Select references that are highly relevant and authoritative to maximize the impact.

Common error

Avoid using tangential or weakly connected sources "as a supportive reference". This can dilute your argument and undermine your credibility. Always prioritize strong, direct, and reputable references.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a supportive reference" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the purpose or role of a particular source or piece of information. It clarifies that the item in question serves to reinforce, validate, or assist in understanding a concept or argument. Ludwig provides examples that illustrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science & Research

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a supportive reference" is used to describe something that provides assistance or validation to a statement or argument. It is most commonly found in science, news, and wiki contexts. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. It is important to choose high-quality and relevant references to strengthen your arguments, and to avoid over-relying on weak or tangential sources. While alternatives exist, each has nuances that may make it more or less appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a corroborating source

Emphasizes the role of confirming or backing up information.

as a backing document

Highlights the use of a document as supporting evidence.

as an assisting guide

Focuses on the helpful nature of the reference material.

as an encouraging example

Highlights the positive and motivational aspect of the reference.

as a reinforcing element

Stresses the role of strengthening a point or argument.

as a validating citation

Focuses on the act of confirming the accuracy or truth of something.

as a bolstering resource

Indicates that the reference provides strength and support.

as a substantiating detail

Emphasizes the role of providing concrete details to support a claim.

for confirmatory purposes

Highlights the reason for using the reference is to prove or confirm something.

to offer validation

Highlights the action of using the reference to show that something is true or correct.

FAQs

How can I use "as a supportive reference" in a sentence?

Use "as a supportive reference" to indicate that a particular source or piece of information helps to strengthen or validate your argument. For example: "The study was included as a supportive reference to bolster the claims made in the main text."

What are some alternatives to "as a supportive reference"?

You can use alternatives like "as a corroborating source", "as a backing document", or "as an assisting guide" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "as a supportive reference" and "as a primary source"?

"As a supportive reference" indicates a source that reinforces or validates existing information, while "as a primary source" signifies an original source of information or data. A primary source provides firsthand evidence, whereas a supportive reference offers additional validation.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "as a supportive reference"?

It's appropriate to use "as a supportive reference" in academic papers, research reports, or any formal writing where you need to cite sources that strengthen your claims. It is less common in informal writing or conversation.