being able to support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to support" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capability or capacity to provide assistance or help in a particular context. Example: "Being able to support my colleagues during challenging projects is important to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I live only five miles from this small town and enjoy being able to support them.

The Guardian

They were embarrassed about no longer being able to support themselves and their families.

The New York Times

But she will have to meet various criteria, including being able to support her family financially.

The Guardian

All those things are the end result of people not being able to support themselves in the proper fashion".

The New York Times

"Banks are given, historically, a large amount of stick for not being able to support small businesses," he said.

The Guardian

Whatever happened to being able to support our military and thank them without being a right-wing lunatic warmonger?

The New York Times

While not being able to support the PES common candidate for this year's election, we continue to support the principle of having common candidates".

The Guardian

The midwives were initially nervous, but soon appreciated an innovation that led to the partners being able to support their wives and girlfriends.

The Guardian

That's about being able to fund our schools and our government and being able to support our businesses on Main Street".

The New York Times

"I came with the intention of being able to support my family," said Ms. Guerrier-Cavalier, 45, who for now is staying with a friend.

The New York Times

In addition, the rotor has the advantage of being able to support five times as many components as a traditional tourbillon carriage, she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being able to support", consider the specific type of support being provided. Is it financial, emotional, or technical? Specifying the nature of the support enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "being able to support" without context. Saying "I am being able to support" is vague. Instead, specify what you are supporting, for example, "I am "being able to support" my family financially."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to support" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun or part of a noun phrase. It signifies the state or condition of possessing the capability to provide assistance, resources, or sustenance. As Ludwig suggests, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being able to support" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression indicating the capability to provide assistance, resources, or sustenance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse contexts, including news media, science, and formal business settings. While it's essential to provide context to avoid vagueness, the phrase functions effectively to express potential or existing capacity. Related phrases like "having the capacity to aid" or "capable of assisting" offer subtle variations in meaning. Overall, "being able to support" is a valuable and frequently employed expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having the capacity to aid

Emphasizes the inherent capability to assist.

possessing the means to help

Highlights the availability of resources or methods for assistance.

capable of assisting

Focuses on the competence and readiness to provide support.

in a position to provide for

Highlights the circumstances enabling support.

having the resources to sustain

Emphasizes the availability of resources to maintain or prolong something.

being equipped to bolster

Stresses the preparedness and tools available for strengthening.

with the ability to prop up

Focuses on preventing something from failing or declining.

able to lend a hand

An idiomatic expression indicating a willingness to help.

having what it takes to assist

Highlights the necessary qualities or skills for assistance.

being empowered to advocate for

Emphasizes the authorization and ability to promote or defend someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "being able to support" in a sentence?

Use "being able to support" to indicate the capacity or capability to provide assistance or resources. For instance, "Being able to support a family on a single income is increasingly challenging."

What are some alternatives to "being able to support"?

Alternatives include "having the capacity to aid", "capable of assisting", or "having the resources to sustain", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "being able to support" or "having the ability to support"?

"Having the ability to support" is slightly more formal than "being able to support", but both are generally acceptable in most contexts. The choice depends on the specific tone and audience.

What's the difference between "being able to support" and "being willing to support"?

"Being able to support" indicates the capacity or means to provide assistance, while "being willing to support" refers to the readiness or desire to offer help. One focuses on capability, the other on intention.