backing the motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "backing the motion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as formal meetings, discussions, or debates where someone expresses support for a proposal or decision. Example: "During the meeting, several members spoke in favor of backing the motion to increase the budget for community projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"So I will be backing the motion".

The Guardian

Republicans backing the motion said it merely reaffirmed Mr Bush's current policy; Democrats said it was meant to improve it.

The Economist

With the opposition group leader David Walker, of the Conservatives, backing the motion from the council leader Rodney Berman, Labour were the only group not to back the motion for a regional-wide LDP and the deputy leader Neil McEvoy has lashed out at the group's decision.

The Guardian

The NSPCC is backing the motion and said it wanted to help parents use other methods to teach their children the difference between right and wrong.

BBC

Just 40 MPs voted in the backbench business debate, with 37 backing the motion, and the result is not binding on the government.

BBC

The state of emergency went into effect after it was published in the government's official gazette and Turkey's parliament formally approved the measures later Thursday, with lawmakers backing the motion by 346 votes to 115 against.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Chris Huhne, the energy secretary, backed the motion.

The Guardian

He urges delegates to back the motion.

The Guardian

Sauerbrunn said the team backed the motion fully.

The Guardian - Sport

While 182 countries backed the motion, only Israel, Palau, the Marshall Islands and America itself voted against.

The Economist

Around 37,000 German citizens have backed the motion, which was brought by the More Democracy movement.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "backing the motion", ensure the context clearly defines what the "motion" entails. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "backing the motion" when you simply mean acknowledging it. "Backing" implies active support and advocacy, not just awareness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backing the motion" functions as a verb phrase indicating active support for a formal proposal or resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it in contexts involving parliamentary votes and organizational endorsements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "backing the motion" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase denoting active support for a proposal, often in formal or organizational contexts. As noted by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and verifiable through numerous examples. While not overly common, it appears frequently in news and media sources, conveying a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, clarity in defining the "motion" is crucial. Alternatives include "supporting the proposal" or "endorsing the resolution", each carrying slightly different nuances. Overall, "backing the motion" provides a strong and unambiguous way to express agreement and advocacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supporting the proposal

Replaces "motion" with "proposal", a more general term for a suggestion or plan.

endorsing the resolution

Uses "endorsing" instead of "backing", suggesting a more formal approval.

approving the measure

Substitutes "backing" with "approving", indicating agreement and acceptance of a formal action.

favoring the proposition

Replaces "motion" with "proposition", implying a more theoretical or debated idea.

voting in favor of the motion

Specifies the action of voting to show support.

giving support to the motion

Emphasizes the act of providing assistance or endorsement.

championing the cause

Implies a more active and enthusiastic support.

standing behind the motion

Suggests unwavering support and commitment.

affirming the motion

Replaces backing with affirming, which gives a more legal or official nuance.

seconding the motion

Refers to the formal act of supporting a motion to allow it to be discussed.

FAQs

How can I use "backing the motion" in a sentence?

You can use "backing the motion" to express support for a formal proposal, such as, "The committee is "backing the motion" to allocate more funds to education."

What is an alternative to saying "backing the motion"?

Alternatives include "supporting the proposal", "endorsing the resolution", or "approving the measure" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "backing the motion" and "supporting the motion"?

While similar, "backing the motion" can imply a stronger, more active form of support than simply "supporting the motion". Backing suggests advocacy, while supporting may simply mean agreeing.

When is it appropriate to use "backing the motion" in a formal setting?

Use "backing the motion" in formal settings like meetings or debates to clearly express your support for a specific proposal under consideration. It conveys a clear and concise endorsement of the issue being presented.