be supported by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be supported by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is backed or reinforced by a particular element or factor. Example: "The findings of this study should be supported by a thorough review of existing literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These proposals must be supported by a new takeover regime.

The Guardian - Business

He will be supported by a French rhythm section.

The New Yorker

The determination shall be supported by a written record.

Cornell University

This was to be supported by a socialized agriculture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Everything in Dementia United must be supported by a business case.

The Guardian

That opinion may be supported by a recent ruling in New York.

The New York Times

The OS can be supported by a sole vendor or multiple vendors.

The Guardian - Tech

This process would be supported by a small but capable secretariat.

The Guardian

It will be supported by a wider campaign across print, radio and the internet.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is supported by a broad coalition".

The New York Times

Oliver Cossairt is supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be supported by a", ensure that the relationship between the subject and the supporting element is clear and logical. For instance, a claim should be supported by evidence, or a project should be supported by a business plan.

Common error

Avoid using "be supported by a" with vague or undefined supporting elements. Ensure the 'a' refers to a specific, identifiable item or concept, not a general idea. For example, instead of 'the theory is supported by a research', specify 'the theory is supported by a detailed research study'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be supported by a" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject receives backing, reinforcement, or justification from a specific element. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and broadly applicable. For instance, 'The DVD will be supported by a major advertising campaign'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be supported by a" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate that something is backed, reinforced, or justified by a specific element. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely accepted and commonly used across various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. To ensure clarity, always define the supporting element specifically. While alternatives like "be sustained by" or "be underpinned by" exist, "be supported by a" remains a direct and effective choice for conveying reliance or validation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be sustained by

Focuses on the idea of something being maintained or kept going by another factor, emphasizing continuity.

be underpinned by

Emphasizes a foundational or structural support, suggesting a strong, underlying basis.

be reinforced by

Highlights the strengthening or bolstering effect that one thing has on another.

be bolstered by

Similar to reinforced, but often suggests a more active or deliberate effort to provide support.

be backed by

Implies endorsement or approval, in addition to providing support.

rely on

A more concise way of expressing dependence, focusing on the act of relying on something.

depend on

Similar to rely on, indicating that one thing is contingent on another.

hinge on

Suggests that the outcome or success is entirely dependent on a single factor.

be contingent on

Highlights the conditional nature of the support, implying that it is dependent on certain factors.

rest on

Indicates that something is based on or relies upon a particular foundation or element.

FAQs

How can I use "be supported by a" in a sentence?

The phrase "be supported by a" indicates that something is backed or reinforced by a particular element. For instance, "The argument should "be supported by evidence"" or "The initiative will "be supported by a strong team"".

What are some alternatives to "be supported by a"?

You can use alternatives like "be sustained by", "be underpinned by", or "be reinforced by" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "be supported by" or "be backed by"?

Both "be supported by" and "be backed by" are valid, but they have slightly different connotations. "Be backed by" often implies endorsement or approval, while "be supported by" generally means that something is reinforced or sustained by something else. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What does it mean when something "is supported by a" business case?

When a project or initiative "is supported by a business case", it means there is a documented justification outlining the reasons for undertaking it, including its potential benefits, costs, and risks. This business case serves to demonstrate its viability and strategic alignment.