can be supportive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be supportive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that has the potential to provide help or encouragement. Example: "The community programs can be supportive in helping families navigate difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Family, friends, and colleagues can be supportive -- and that support is very meaningful -- but we are on our personal magazine covers alone.

Huffington Post

"You can be supportive of N.C.L.B. and also support strengthening the teaching of history and literature," a spokeswoman for the Education Department, Samara Yudof, said.

The New York Times

The emails that are most effective are respectful from start to finish. 5. Find the legislators that are already supporting your causes and ask them how you can be supportive.

Huffington Post

We need to understand what abuse is and why it happens, how we can be supportive before it goes too far and how we can help and support each other so it never happens.

Unicef

Then they can be supportive of you".

The New York Times

"We are looking at ways we can be supportive," Ms. Albright told reporters after their meeting.

The New York Times

Our hope is to come up with something that he can be supportive of," he said.

The New York Times

The guides have to know as much as possible so they can be supportive if complex or painful feelings arise.

Independent

The rights and needs of children were never seriously protected, and the peculiar institution of marriage, which can be supportive or destructive, became almost universally destructive.

The New York Times

Ms. O'Donnell's house of worship is not especially discriminating; she can be supportive of shows critics adore, like "Kiss Me, Kate," and ones they disdain, like "Aida".

The New York Times

"People like to have an excuse to travel, and if you think you can be supportive of a family member that makes it even better," said Susan Tanzman of Martin's Travel & Tours in Los Angeles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be supportive", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is providing the support. Be specific to enhance clarity and impact. For example: "Mentorship programs can be supportive for new employees."

Common error

Avoid using "can be supportive" in overly general statements without specifying how the support is provided. Instead of saying "Technology can be supportive", specify the ways technology provides support: "Technology can be supportive by facilitating communication and providing access to information."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be supportive" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a potential for providing assistance, encouragement, or validation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English, highlighting its role in describing something with the capability to offer help. This phrase often modifies nouns or clauses, specifying their helpful qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be supportive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey the potential for providing help or encouragement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, spanning from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. To maximize clarity, ensure you specify the nature of the support being provided. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to avoid overly broad statements and specify the tangible ways in which support is offered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may offer assistance

Replaces the modal verb "can" with "may", suggesting a possibility rather than a capability to offer support.

could provide backing

Substitutes "supportive" with "backing", emphasizing the act of providing resources or validation.

might lend encouragement

Uses "lend encouragement" to highlight the act of giving hope or motivation.

are capable of assisting

Focuses on the ability to help, using a more formal tone with "assisting".

can extend advocacy

Emphasizes active support and promotion of a cause or person.

can foster validation

Highlights the act of confirming or affirming the worth of someone or something.

may give reassurance

Focuses on alleviating doubts or fears through supportive actions.

are able to empower

Emphasizes providing someone with the means or ability to do something.

can provide succor

Uses "succor", a more formal term, to mean assistance and support in times of hardship.

might offer comfort

Highlights the aspect of providing solace and easing distress.

FAQs

How can I use "can be supportive" in a sentence?

Use "can be supportive" to describe something or someone that has the potential to provide help, encouragement, or assistance. For example: "Friends "can be supportive" during difficult times."

What are some alternatives to "can be supportive"?

You can use alternatives like "may offer assistance", "could provide backing", or "might lend encouragement" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "can be supportive" or "can being supportive"?

"Can be supportive" is the correct phrasing. "Can being supportive" is grammatically incorrect.

What does it mean when something "can be supportive"?

It means that something has the potential or ability to provide help, encouragement, or assistance to someone or something else. It implies a positive and helpful influence.