be there for someone

USAGE SUMMARY

"be there for someone" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to provide support, assistance, or companionship to someone in a time of need. Example: "I promised to be there for my friend during her difficult times, and I kept my word by listening to her and offering my help and advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"That means that support would probably not be there for someone else".

The New York Times

"But paradise will always be there for someone else to triumph in fair judgment to pride our country once again.

Independent

"But paradise will always be there for someone else to triumph in fair judgement to pride our country again".

BBC

Be there for someone else, and don't forget to take care of yourself -- Mother's Day is just the beginning!

Huffington Post

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be there for someone like that," says volunteer Trisha Wright-Belanger.

Vice

I learn everyday interacting with them, how to be thoughtful, how to be kind, how to be there for someone," Carr told VICE.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Turns out the ladder was there for someone else.

The New York Times

Tex: "The fact that he's dead just means the space is there for someone else to do what he did".

The Guardian - Music

I wanted this story to be about friendship, about its burdens and dependencies, about the hard work of being there for someone, whether friend or family.

The New Yorker

What other options are there for someone like me?" It is safe to assume Lane Bryant never offered options like those Glenn Marla was wearing, as she helped her boss, Deb Malkin, set up a stand selling plus-size vintage clothing.

The New York Times

Long phone calls taught Washington the "power of presence," simply being there for someone.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be there for someone" to express commitment to supporting someone through challenges. It conveys a sense of reliability and dependability.

Common error

Avoid using "be there for someone" without the intention or capacity to provide genuine support. Empty promises can be more damaging than no offer at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be there for someone" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a willingness to provide support, comfort, or assistance to another person. It often serves as a promise or expression of solidarity, as evidenced by examples found on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be there for someone" is a commonly used phrase that conveys a commitment to providing support, comfort, and assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, media, and personal interactions. The phrase functions as an idiomatic expression to offer reassurance, demonstrate empathy, and build trust. While its register is generally neutral, it is most commonly found in informal settings. To enhance your writing, focus on aligning actions with the offer of support and avoiding superficial promises. Consider alternatives such as "offer support to someone", "lend a helping hand to someone", and "provide comfort to someone" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

support someone in need

Directly addresses the act of helping someone who requires assistance.

offer support to someone

Focuses specifically on providing assistance and resources.

lend a helping hand to someone

Emphasizes direct assistance and aid.

provide comfort to someone

Highlights emotional support and solace.

give someone a shoulder to cry on

Focuses on providing emotional support through listening and empathy.

stand by someone

Implies loyalty and unwavering support.

be available for someone

Emphasizes accessibility and readiness to assist.

be a pillar of strength for someone

Suggests being a reliable and stable source of support.

look out for someone

Highlights the aspect of caring and protecting someone.

be there in someone's corner

Implies advocacy and active support.

FAQs

How can I use "be there for someone" in a sentence?

You can use "be there for someone" to express your intention to support them during difficult times. For example, "I promise to be there for you no matter what happens."

What does it mean to "be there for someone"?

To "be there for someone" means to offer support, companionship, and assistance during times of need, providing a sense of reliability and care.

What can I say instead of "be there for someone"?

You can use alternatives like "offer support to someone", "lend a helping hand to someone", or "provide comfort to someone" depending on the context.

How is "be there for someone" different from "help someone out"?

"Be there for someone" implies a more ongoing and emotional commitment, while "help someone out" suggests a more immediate and practical form of assistance. The former is more comprehensive and the latter is more occasional.