backing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "backing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to support or endorsement for a person, idea, or project. Example: "The committee is providing financial backing for the new community center project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Politics

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the UN, said it was "ironic to say the least" that Russia produced the motion at the same time as it was "backing an all-out assault" in Ukraine despite the ceasefire.

The Guardian

He told the Lowy Institute the milestone was proof the west's diplomatic pressure and sanctions against Russia – which is backing separatist rebels in the east – were bearing fruit.

The Guardian

Yet there has been strong criticism of Miliband by some members of the Jewish community for his stance on Israel and, in particular, for backing a vote to recognise a Palestinian state last autumn.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anti-virus company Sophos is backing the move, with its global head of security research, James Lyne, saying that many home and small business routers still have "basic web application security floors which allow remote control or information exposure".

The Guardian - Tech

Blair's six-figure donation was accepted by Labour last week, with the party saying it was "delighted" that he was backing Ed Miliband's campaign for Downing Street with his own money.

The Guardian

When I walked out in smoke, dressed like a tart in leather, the audience screamed so much that I couldn't hear the backing track and I was completely out of key.

The Guardian

Pops Staples: Don't Lose This The blues master's last set of recordings, released years after his death and featuring his daughter Mavis on backing vocal duties.

The Guardian - Music

Walker and Jindal mounted sharp attacks on the Republican congressional leadership, who, they warned, are on the verge of backing down in a high-stakes play on Capitol Hill to block immigration reform.

The Guardian

The record producer noted that López appeared to be backing his ambitions with an aggressive string of promotional narcocorridos with lyrics that are becoming increasingly bellicose.

The Guardian

You could reduce the odds of backing a loser by investing in a tracker fund, such as the HSBC FTSE All Share Index, which simply replicates the performance of the wider stock market.

The Guardian - Money

Costs spiralled, investors withdrew backing and the future of the project for long periods hung in the balance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "backing" to indicate support for an idea, person, or project, especially when financial or institutional support is involved. For example, "The project received substantial backing from local businesses."

Common error

Avoid using "backing" when you mean "backing up", which implies reversing direction or creating a copy for safety. For example, instead of saying "He was backing the data", say "He was backing up the data".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "backing" is as a noun, referring to support or financial assistance. It can also function as a present participle of the verb "back". Ludwig provides examples showcasing both usages.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "backing" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to denote support, especially of a financial or institutional nature, or as a present participle of "back". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. With several real-world examples from reliable sources like The Guardian, "backing" appears frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, it's crucial to differentiate it from "backing up", which has a different meaning. Alternative phrases like "support", "endorsement", and "funding" can be used depending on the context. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

support

Focuses on providing assistance or approval.

endorsement

Emphasizes public approval or recommendation.

sponsorship

Highlights financial or material support.

funding

Specifically refers to financial resources provided.

patronage

Suggests a more formal or influential support.

reinforcement

Implies strengthening or bolstering something already in place.

underpinning

Focuses on the foundational support or basis.

foundation

Highlights the base or groundwork for something.

assistance

General term for help or aid provided.

help

The most basic term for providing aid.

FAQs

How to use "backing" in a sentence?

The word "backing" can be used to describe support, especially financial, or a material added behind something. For example, "The initiative has strong financial backing" or "The picture needs a sturdy backing".

What can I say instead of "backing"?

You can use alternatives like "support", "endorsement", or "funding" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "backing" or "backing up"?

"Backing" refers to support or a foundation, while "backing up" means to reverse or create a copy. Use "backing" when discussing support, and "backing up" when referring to reversing a vehicle or copying data.

What's the difference between "backing" and "support"?

While both terms indicate assistance, "backing" often implies a more formal or financial commitment, whereas "support" can be more general and emotional.