be used to support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be used to support" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the purpose or function of something, indicating that it serves as a means of assistance or reinforcement. Example: "The data collected from the survey will be used to support our findings in the final report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead of following the Paris prescription, aid money should be used to support non-government initiatives.

The Guardian

The gift will be used to support the Rutgers Center for Innovative Print and Paper.

The New York Times

The money will be used to support a business and will be paid back.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some of the grants would be used to support young researchers, he said.

The New York Times - Health

And first and foremost, of course, it will be used to support children.

The Guardian - Books

Money raised will be used to support the House of Illustration.

The Guardian - Books

"People are ignorant about the technology that can be used to support them".

The Guardian

The money will be used to support household surveys in up to 15 countries.

The Guardian

Increasingly, academics are looking at how the method can be used to support students in school.

The Guardian

The gift will be used to support programming during the Apollo's coming 75th-anniversary season.

The New York Times

Money in these PACs can be used to support other candidates and party committees.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be used to support", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what is providing the support and the object clearly indicates what is being supported. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be used to support" when the intention is to completely replace or supplant something, rather than just provide assistance. The phrase implies an additive or reinforcing function, not a substitution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be used to support" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates what something is intended or designed to do, providing assistance or justification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be used to support" is a common and versatile construction that indicates the intended purpose of providing assistance or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely employed across various domains. Analysis reveals that it frequently appears in News & Media and Scientific publications. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what provides the support and what receives it. While interchangeable alternatives exist, understanding the subtle nuances of phrases like "serve to bolster" or "help to sustain" enhances precision. Overall, "be used to support" is a reliable and effective phrase for expressing purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve to bolster

Replaces "be used" with a more formal verb and "support" with a synonym suggesting reinforcement.

help to sustain

Emphasizes the aspect of maintaining or prolonging something, rather than just providing general support.

aid in reinforcing

Similar to "serve to bolster", but uses 'aid' to convey assistance.

assist in upholding

Suggests a more active role in maintaining or defending something.

contribute to maintaining

Focuses on the contribution aspect of keeping something in a certain state.

be instrumental in backing

Highlights the essential role in providing endorsement or resources.

be leveraged to reinforce

Implies strategic use to strengthen something.

play a role in underwriting

Suggests a financial backing or guaranteeing aspect.

provide a foundation for

Focuses on the establishment of a base or structure for something.

facilitate the furtherance of

A more formal alternative that emphasizes progress or advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "be used to support" in a sentence?

Use "be used to support" to indicate the purpose of something in providing assistance or justification. For example, "The funds will be used to support the new project."

What are some alternatives to "be used to support"?

Alternatives include "serve to bolster", "help to sustain", or "assist in upholding" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is used for support" instead of "be used to support"?

While "is used for support" is grammatically correct, "be used to support" is often preferred when specifying the direct object of the support. The former is more general, while the latter is more specific in purpose.

What's the difference between "be used to support" and "be used for supporting"?

"Be used to support" is followed by a base verb form, indicating purpose or intention, while "be used for supporting" is followed by a gerund, emphasizing the activity of supporting. The first focuses on intent; the second, on function.