gather support

USAGE SUMMARY

"gather support" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you are trying to get people to help you or believe in something. For example, "I am trying to gather support for my project to build a new library for the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On June 29 Debs spoke at a large and peaceful gathering in Blue Island, Illinois, to gather support from fellow railroad workers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Weinstein knows exactly how to gather support.

The Guardian - Film

At home, Chinese belligerence helps gather support around the KMT.

The Economist

"These people were able to gather support for something illegal.

The New York Times

New approaches need time to gather support from audiences.

The Guardian - Film

Since then, those investors have been working to gather support for the proposal.

The New York Times

He had been traveling the country, appearing at rallies to gather support for a Lokpal.

The New York Times

To cut financing now would discourage governors to gather support for new reforms.

The New York Times

The march is to gather support, show your power, convince people.

The New York Times

To do so, citizens gather support from a certain number of citizens to trigger a vote.

The Washington Post

That could give Obama enough leeway to gather support from Arab countries already divided over the Syrian civil war.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gather support", clearly define the specific type of support you're seeking, such as financial, political, or emotional. This adds clarity and helps tailor your message effectively.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your message will resonate with everyone. Tailor your approach to appeal to specific groups or individuals whose values align with your cause to effectively "gather support".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gather support" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of actively seeking or obtaining assistance, approval, or agreement from others. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gather support" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of seeking assistance or approval for a cause or initiative. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for general use. With a neutral register, it fits well in various contexts, including news, academia, and business. To maximize its impact, be specific about the type of support needed and tailor your message to resonate with your target audience. Alternatives such as "enlist backing" or "secure endorsement" can provide nuanced variations to your writing. "Gather support" is frequently found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforcing its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

garner backing

Similar to 'enlist backing', but slightly more formal.

enlist backing

Focuses on actively recruiting assistance or endorsement.

secure endorsement

Emphasizes obtaining formal approval or agreement.

rally allies

Suggests bringing together people who are already sympathetic to a cause.

drum up assistance

Implies actively and energetically seeking help or resources.

cultivate favor

Highlights the process of building relationships to gain support.

win over advocates

Focuses on persuading individuals to actively promote a cause.

gain approval

Stresses obtaining formal agreement or permission.

attract followers

Emphasizes the creation of a base of individuals who support a leader or movement.

build consensus

Focuses on the process of reaching a general agreement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "gather support" in a sentence?

To effectively use "gather support", specify the goal and target audience. For example: "The campaign aims to "gather support" from local businesses to fund the community project".

What are some alternatives to "gather support"?

Alternatives include "enlist backing", "secure endorsement", or "rally allies", each carrying slightly different connotations of seeking assistance or approval.

Is it more appropriate to say "gather support" or "collect support"?

"Gather support" is generally more appropriate when referring to people or abstract concepts like opinions, while "collect support" is better suited for tangible items. Though, in some cases, they can be used interchangeably.

What strategies can I use to successfully "gather support" for a cause?

Effective strategies include clear communication of your cause's mission, engaging with your audience through various channels, and building strong relationships with key influencers and stakeholders to effectively "win over advocates".