be a pillar of support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a pillar of support" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who provides strong and reliable assistance or encouragement to others. Example: "During difficult times, she was always there to be a pillar of support for her friends and family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the level of sales remained strong, suggesting that the housing market will continue to be a pillar of support for the struggling economy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

She captured the essence of elegance and was a pillar of support for the Hospital.

The New York Times

"You have been a pillar of support thro life," Jefferson wrote to Madison.

The New York Times - Arts

Her marriage was a pillar of support for her in her later years.

The New York Times

She has always been a pillar of support, but I'm finding this new one-on-one relationship helpful for my studies.

The Guardian

But the general is from the same village as the president and has mostly been a pillar of support for Mr. Saleh.

The New York Times

In March America resumed shipping a full assortment of arms.In Syria, Russia (along with Iran) is a pillar of support for the regime of Bashar Assad in its brutal war against rebels of all stripes.

The Economist

The defection of General Ahmar, who has long been a pillar of support for the president, was seen by many as a possible sign that government leaders could be negotiating a peaceful exit for the president.

The New York Times

The effect is to hamstring any rivals to the Belarus branch of the Russian Orthodox Church, which helped draft the new law and is a pillar of support for the autocratic government of President Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The New York Times

He called the Syria crisis the main issue in the Egyptian president's coming visit to China, which along with Iran and Russia has been a pillar of support for President Bashar al-Assad of Syria as his military assaulted opposition strongholds.

The New York Times

my Indian mentor was a pillar of support and somehow managed to keep me on a fellowship.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be a pillar of support", consider the specific context and the kind of support being offered. For example, if someone is going through a difficult time emotionally, emphasize the emotional support you are providing. If it's a project or a task, focus on the practical help.

Common error

While "be a pillar of support" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound unoriginal. Consider using more specific and descriptive language to convey the same idea, such as "provide unwavering support" or "be a source of strength".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a pillar of support" functions as a verb phrase often used to describe someone or something that provides essential stability, strength, and assistance to individuals or systems. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. This description is supported by examples where individuals, organizations, or even abstract concepts are depicted as sources of dependable aid.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a pillar of support" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe providing consistent, reliable assistance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it functions as a verb phrase, often found in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science contexts, with a neutral register suitable for varied audiences. While effective, overuse of this cliché should be avoided by considering alternatives such as "provide unwavering support" or "be a source of strength" to maintain originality and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide unwavering support

Emphasizes the steadfast and consistent nature of the support.

offer steadfast support

Similar to "provide unwavering support", highlighting the reliability of the assistance.

lend a helping hand

Focuses on direct assistance and willingness to help with tasks.

be a source of strength

Highlights the emotional and mental fortitude provided.

provide a shoulder to lean on

Emphasizes emotional support and comfort during difficult times.

offer guidance and support

Combines practical advice with emotional backing.

be a reliable ally

Focuses on dependable partnership and mutual assistance.

offer moral support

Highlights the provision of encouragement and ethical backing.

give essential assistance

Stresses the critical nature of the help provided.

furnish crucial backing

Emphasizes the importance and necessity of the support.

FAQs

How can I use "be a pillar of support" in a sentence?

You can use "be a pillar of support" to describe someone who provides consistent and reliable help to others. For example: "During her illness, her family was always there to be a pillar of support." You can also use "be a source of strength" as alternative phrase.

What does it mean to "be a pillar of support"?

To "be a pillar of support" means to provide strong, reliable, and consistent help or encouragement to someone, especially during a challenging time. It implies providing stability and strength to help them cope.

What are some alternative phrases for "be a pillar of support"?

Alternatives include "provide unwavering support", "offer steadfast support", "lend a helping hand", or "be a source of strength", depending on the specific context.

Is "be a pillar of support" formal or informal?

The phrase "be a pillar of support" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, you might consider using more precise or nuanced language.