be a source of support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a source of support" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone who provides emotional or practical help to another person, such as a friend or loved one. For example: "My husband has been a source of support for me throughout this difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Contact with family members may actually add stress, rather than be a source of support.

Independent

Ms. Joost proved to be a source of support as Mr. Augspurger approached his black-belt test.

The New York Times

They offer no numbers, but anecdotal evidence suggests the campaign is widespread in a region long known to be a source of support for Saddam's government.

The Guardian

If you have family around they can be a source of support and encouragement and they are able to share in the adventure.

The Guardian

By definition, married women have husbands and unmarried women do not, and husbands can many times be a source of support.

The New York Times

Burn told Phillip Boulten SC, the counsel for Dawson's family, on Tuesday that she did not have a role in the decision-making process and believed her role to be a source of support.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

She was the only transgender member, but the group was a source of support and information about how to navigate Hewitt's culture and policies.

The New York Times

Sabratha has not experienced significant jihadist activity, but the area was a source of support for the regime during the revolution.

Independent

To his staff members, "Dr. Slater was a source of support," said Dr. Richard S.K. Young, chief of pediatrics at the Hospital of St. Raphael in New Haven who served with Dr. Slater.

The New York Times

Hume leaves his readers with the clear view that religion, far from being a source of support for moral practice, is in fact a major source of moral sickness in the world.

SEP

My work on this committee has brought me into contact with a good number of women mathematicians, and certainly for me it has been a source of support and community.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be a source of support", consider specifying the type of support provided (e.g., emotional, financial, practical) to add clarity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "be a source of support" in close proximity. Vary your language by using alternatives like "offer assistance" or "provide encouragement" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a source of support" functions as a predicate nominative, describing the role or quality of a person, thing, or concept. Ludwig examples illustrate this by showing how various entities can fulfill this supportive function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a source of support" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the act of providing help or encouragement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and applicable in various contexts. Its frequency is considered common, with prominent usage in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, consider specifying the nature of the support to add clarity. Avoid overuse by incorporating alternatives like "provide assistance" or "offer encouragement" to enrich your writing and prevent redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a pillar of support

This alternative highlights the importance and dependability of the support provided.

be a comfort

This alternative emphasizes the emotional aspect of providing support.

provide assistance

This alternative is more formal and focuses on the act of giving help.

be someone to lean on

This alternative emphasizes the availability and reliability of the supportive person.

offer encouragement

This alternative emphasizes the act of giving confidence and hope.

lend a hand

This alternative is more informal and suggests practical help.

be a tower of strength

This alternative is a more emphatic and figurative way to express strong support.

give backing

This alternative suggests providing approval and resources.

be a mainstay

This alternative highlights the reliable and consistent nature of support.

offer solace

This alternative focuses on providing comfort in times of distress.

FAQs

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

You can use "be a source of support" to describe someone or something that provides help or encouragement, such as, "My friends "are a source of support" during difficult times".

What are some alternatives to "be a source of support"?

Alternatives include "provide assistance", "offer encouragement", or "lend a hand", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "being a source of support"?

Yes, "being a source of support" is grammatically correct. For example, "Being a source of support for my family is important to me."

What's the difference between "be a source of support" and "provide support"?

"Be a source of support" describes a continuous or inherent quality of providing help, while "provide support" is a more specific action or instance of giving assistance.