enlist his support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enlist his support" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to help or support you in a particular endeavor or cause. Example: "In order to successfully launch the campaign, we need to enlist his support to reach a wider audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

American opponents of sanctions had hoped to enlist his support.

The New York Times

Hoping to enlist his support, the Hills invite him to watch Pendleton, who is now able to partner a horse called Minella Theatre over a line of fences.

The Guardian - Sport

According to testimony in the trial, an associate of Mr. Pébereau told Mr. Soros by telephone about the planned bid, hoping to enlist his support.

The New York Times

When a local landowner, William Combe, comes to enlist his support in the enclosure of the common fields, Shakespeare's chief concern is to protect his profits.

The Guardian

At the time of Mr. Hoffa's disappearance, Federal investigators said they believed he was trying to settle a feud with Mr. Provenzano and wanted to enlist his support for a campaign to dislodge Mr. Fitzsimmons as president of the teamsters.

The New York Times

He divided his time between Moscow and New York, saying that because of the nearly steady stream of people eager to see him in Russia and enlist his support for their causes, he found it easier to write in his Manhattan apartment.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

During that trip, the two also met with Keat Crown '00, a former Duke lacrosse captain who escaped from the higher floors of the World Trade Center on September 11, and enlisted his support.

Duke University

She also supported him through his Non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, and enlisting his support in illegally proving a patient's death through negligence.

Wikipedia

It's also wise to share your decision with a person who is trusted by the rest and enlist his or her support.

Harvard Business Review

Your child has practiced ignoring the bully, avoiding his tormentors, standing up to mean kids in assertive ways, tried to enlist his teacher's support and used humor to deflect the bully's taunting.

Huffington Post

His efforts to enlist Japanese support for his cause were fruitless, and in 1659 he decided to settle in Nagasaki.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enlist his support", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific action or cause the individual's support is being sought for. Be specific about what you need them to do.

Common error

Avoid using "enlist his support" when there's no prior indication or likelihood of the person agreeing. It implies a stronger connection or willingness than might exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enlist his support" functions as a verb phrase, where 'enlist' is the verb, 'his' is a possessive pronoun, and 'support' is the noun acting as the object of the verb. It indicates an active attempt to gain assistance or approval from someone. This is supported by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enlist his support" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the action of actively seeking someone's assistance or endorsement for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and readily usable in English. While categorized as having uncommon frequency, it appears in a variety of contexts, most prominently in news media and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about the goal and the specific actions needed from the individual whose support you seek. Related phrases include "secure his support" and "gain his backing", offering slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Secure his support

Emphasizes obtaining his backing more firmly.

Solicit his support

Highlights the act of formally requesting his help.

Obtain his support

Focuses on achieving his backing or endorsement.

Win his support

Suggests effort is needed to gain his approval.

Seek his support

Implies actively looking for his endorsement.

Elicit his support

Suggests drawing out his support, possibly indirectly.

Gain his support

Focuses on the result of acquiring his backing.

Enlist his aid

Replaces "support" with a synonym, "aid".

Garner his backing

Uses a more formal synonym for "support".

Get him on board

An idiomatic way to say someone is joining your cause.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "enlist his support" in a sentence?

To effectively use "enlist his support", clearly state the goal or cause for which you are seeking support. For example: "We need to "enlist his support" to pass this legislation".

What are some alternatives to "enlist his support"?

You can use alternatives such as "secure his support", "gain his backing", or "solicit his aid" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "enlist his support" in formal writing?

Yes, "enlist his support" is appropriate in formal writing. However, be mindful of your audience and consider whether a more formal alternative like "secure his backing" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "enlist his support" and "seek his support"?

"Enlist his support" implies a more active effort to get someone involved, whereas "seek his support" suggests a more passive approach of simply asking for it. Enlisting often involves persuading or convincing.