have been supportive

USAGE SUMMARY

'have been supportive' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been done in a helpful or encouraging manner over some period of time. For example: "My family have been so supportive since I started my new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Business

Academia

Lifestyle

Science

TV & Radio

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So far, the authorities have been supportive.

The Guardian

Parents have been supportive, too.

The Washington Post

So far, other automakers have been supportive.

The New York Times

Others from Merkel's party have been supportive.

The Guardian

Teammates have been supportive, Cone said.

The New York Times - Sports

Vankadarath's new colleagues have been supportive.

The Guardian

Those calls have been supportive, Torre said.

The New York Times - Sports

Peeters' family and friends have been supportive.

The Guardian - Books

"Even guys on the other team have been supportive.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite his risque subject matter, Burnham's family have been supportive.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"They've been supportive.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been supportive", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being supported. Providing specific examples of their support can strengthen your writing.

Common error

Don't assume the reader knows who "they" refers to when stating "they have been supportive". Always clarify the subject to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been supportive" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of providing assistance, encouragement, or approval over a period of time. It describes an ongoing action or attitude, expressing active help and endorsement. Ludwig confirms this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Sports

10%

Books

6%

Less common in

Business

5%

Academia

3%

Lifestyle

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been supportive" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase widely used to express ongoing assistance, encouragement, or approval. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly found in news and media, sports, and literature, demonstrating its broad applicability. When using the phrase, it's important to clearly identify who or what is being supported and to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases, such as "have offered assistance" or "have provided encouragement", can be used for stylistic variation. Avoiding vague references and ensuring clarity will enhance your writing when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been encouraging

Similar meaning, but focuses on the act of inspiring confidence.

have provided encouragement

Emphasizes the act of giving confidence or hope.

have offered assistance

Focuses on the act of providing help.

have given backing

Suggests formally supporting someone or something.

have stood by

Indicates loyalty and unwavering support during difficult times.

have lent a hand

An idiomatic way of saying 'have helped'.

have shown approval

Focuses on expressing a positive opinion.

have championed

Suggests strong and active support.

have advocated for

Implies public support and promotion of a cause or person.

have fostered

Implies nurturing and promoting growth.

FAQs

How can I use "have been supportive" in a sentence?

You can use "have been supportive" to describe actions of assistance or encouragement. For instance, "My colleagues "have been supportive" during my transition into the new role".

What are some alternatives to saying "have been supportive"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "have offered assistance", "have provided encouragement", or "have given backing".

Is it more formal to say "have been supportive" or "have helped"?

"Have been supportive" often carries a slightly more formal tone than "have helped", particularly when referring to emotional or sustained assistance. "Have helped" is more direct and suitable for simple, practical assistance.

What's the difference between "have been supportive" and "have been enabling"?

"Have been supportive" implies positive assistance, while "have been enabling" can suggest unintentionally helping someone continue negative behavior. The connotation depends heavily on the context. Consider whether you are offering genuine support versus inadvertently aiding something detrimental.