but I support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but I support" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express agreement or endorsement of a particular idea, action, or position, often following a contrasting statement. Example: "I understand the concerns raised about the project, but I support moving forward with it as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I support them.

The New Yorker

But I support others' right to do so!

The Economist

I'm no expert on girls' lacrosse, but I support her.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I support what the government is doing," she adds.

The New York Times - Magazine

But I support your impulse, especially if you can be light-handed about it.

The New York Times

The B.N.P.? "I can't see them running the country, but I support what they stand for".

The New York Times

But I support ORCID and include my number here to help associate it with my writings.

Harvard University

I deplore LWOP, but I support Proposition 34 because the killing must stop.

University of California, Berkeley

But I support a well-regulated, a well-ruled industry of gas".

The Guardian

But I support Labour because I want a fairer, more equal society.

The Guardian

I'm not married myself, but I support gay marriage, gays in the military, all that.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "but I support", ensure the contrasting element is clear to avoid ambiguity. Clearly state what you're supporting and why, even if you disagree with other aspects of it.

Common error

Avoid using "but I support" as a generic phrase without specifying what you are supporting and why. Provide context to make your support meaningful and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but I support" functions as a conjunction, connecting a statement of disagreement or reservation with an affirmation of support. Ludwig shows its use in expressing nuanced opinions. It indicates agreement despite some concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but I support" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express agreement or approval, often after acknowledging a contrasting viewpoint or concern. Ludwig's examples highlight its frequent use in News & Media and Academia, indicating a neutral register. The phrase functions as a conjunction, allowing for qualified endorsement. When using this phrase, ensure that both the contrasting element and the object of your support are clearly defined for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, I endorse

Uses "endorse" instead of "support", suggesting a more formal or explicit approval.

nevertheless, I back

Replaces "support" with "back", implying a more active or assertive form of support.

yet, I stand behind

Uses "stand behind" to convey a sense of commitment and advocacy.

despite that, I am in favor of

Expresses support using "in favor of", indicating a preference or approval.

even so, I advocate for

Replaces "support" with "advocate for", suggesting active promotion and defense.

still, I am a proponent of

Uses "proponent of" to indicate active support and promotion of an idea or cause.

that being said, I champion

Replaces "support" with "champion", implying enthusiastic and vocal advocacy.

with that said, I uphold

Uses "uphold" instead of "support", often suggesting a moral or ethical dimension.

in spite of everything, I defend

Replaces "support" with "defend", implying the presence of opposition or criticism.

nonetheless, I promote

Uses "promote" instead of "support", suggesting an active effort to advance something.

FAQs

How can I use "but I support" in a sentence?

The phrase "but I support" is typically used to express agreement or approval of something, even after acknowledging a contrasting viewpoint or concern. For example, "I understand the risks involved, "but I support" this initiative because of its potential benefits."

What are some alternatives to "but I support"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "however, I endorse", "nevertheless, I back", or "yet, I stand behind" to convey a similar meaning of supporting something despite a contrasting element.

Is it correct to say "I don't agree with everything, but I support"?

Yes, the phrase "I don't agree with everything, "but I support"" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express partial agreement or support despite some reservations.

What's the difference between "but I support" and "however, I support"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "but I support" is generally more informal. "However, I support" is slightly more formal and may be preferred in professional or academic writing.