continue to back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ongoing support or endorsement of a person, idea, or initiative. Example: "We will continue to back the community project as it aligns with our values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They insist that the public will continue to back them.

The Economist

"We will continue to back and invest in the paper".

Independent

And some prominent Mumbaikars continue to back Vhatwar.

The Guardian

The O.A.S. should continue to back him completely.

The New York Times

Russia, China and Iran continue to back him.

The Washington Post

(Ginnie Mae would continue to back loans to low-income families).

The Economist

But if the general were to do so, would the West continue to back him?

The Economist

U.N. member states should continue to back reform and reformers in Myanmar.

The New York Times

However, some members of Italy's coalition government continue to back the central banker.

The Economist

Those who continue to back Qaddafi are likewise opportunistic, simply betting on his success.

The New Yorker

I'm against big business and the current governments and institutions which continue to back them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continue to back", ensure that the subject of your sentence clearly indicates who or what is providing the ongoing support. This will avoid ambiguity and strengthen the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid overstating the extent of the support. "Continue to back" implies an ongoing commitment. Make sure this aligns with the actual level and duration of support being provided. For example, if support is wavering, using alternatives such as "reconsider support" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to back" functions as a verb phrase indicating sustained support or endorsement. As Ludwig highlights, it is used when discussing ongoing assistance or approval of a person, idea, or initiative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to back" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that signifies ongoing support or endorsement. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable in diverse contexts, most notably within News & Media. Its function is to express sustained commitment, often aiming to reassure or reinforce stability. While generally neutral in register, the specific tone can be modulated through careful word choice. When using "continue to back", clarity regarding the source and scope of support is crucial to avoid ambiguity and enhance the statement's impact. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "persist in supporting" or "maintain support for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persist in supporting

Emphasizes the sustained and unwavering nature of the support.

maintain support for

Highlights the act of keeping the support at its current level.

sustain backing for

Focuses on the act of keeping the financial or moral support going.

keep endorsing

Highlights the continued public approval and advocacy.

stand by

Implies loyalty and steadfastness in supporting someone or something, especially during difficult times.

uphold in support

Suggests actively defending or maintaining one's support.

keep advocating

Focuses on the ongoing public promotion and support.

constantly reinforce

Emphasizes the continuous strengthening of support.

remain a proponent of

Highlights the persistent advocacy for a cause or idea.

stay committed to

Focuses on the ongoing dedication and unwavering support.

FAQs

What does "continue to back" mean?

The phrase "continue to back" means to keep supporting or endorsing someone or something. It indicates an ongoing commitment or belief in the person, idea, or entity being supported.

How can I use "continue to back" in a sentence?

You can use "continue to back" in a sentence to express ongoing support. For example, "The board decided to continue to back the CEO despite recent challenges."

What are some alternatives to "continue to back"?

Some alternatives to "continue to back" include "persist in supporting", "maintain support for", or "sustain backing for" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "continue to support" rather than "continue to back"?

While "continue to support" and "continue to back" are largely interchangeable, "continue to support" is generally perceived as slightly more formal. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.