lends support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lends support" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something has provided assistance, aid, or encouragement to something else. For example, "The findings from the study lend support to the idea that reducing plastic use is essential."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wanda Sykes lends support.

The New York Times

This lends support to current theories of planetary formation.

The Economist

P21 Sky lends support to Three's O2 takeover.

The Guardian

At least one study lends support to Pinker's impression.

The New York Times - Magazine

Stanley Tucci lends support of sorts as a horse's arse.

The Guardian - Film

This continued poor performance lends support to broadening evidence of weakening consumer activity".

Independent

History lends support to the argument that Schoenberg would never have given away a Mahler memento.

The New York Times - Arts

The behaviour of football hooligans at international matches lends support to the argument.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In his book, "No Apology," Mr. Romney lends support to both views.

The New York Times

That lends support to EZ-D discs because they will play on a standard DVD machine.

The New York Times

Misty Upham lends support as the Cheyenne housekeeper who bears witness to the domestic squalls.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lends support" when you want to indicate that something provides evidence or helps to confirm a particular idea, theory, or argument. It suggests a contribution to the overall credibility or validity of something else.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "lends support" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "helps" or "backs up" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lends support" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the action of providing assistance, corroboration, or validation to something else. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lends support" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate that something contributes to the credibility or validity of something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. While often found in formal and scientific contexts, it also appears in news media, making it a valuable phrase for various writing styles. When considering alternatives, phrases like "provides assistance" or "offers backing" may suit different nuances. Remember to consider your audience and context when using "lends support" to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provides assistance

This alternative focuses on the act of giving help or aid.

offers backing

This alternative emphasizes the act of endorsing or promoting something.

gives credence to

This alternative highlights the act of making something more believable.

strengthens the case for

This alternative suggests reinforcing an argument or justification.

reinforces the idea

This alternative emphasizes the act of confirming or validating a concept.

bolsters the argument

This alternative implies strengthening an argument, often against opposition.

validates the theory

This alternative suggests confirming the accuracy or truth of a scientific theory.

corroborates the evidence

This alternative focuses on providing additional evidence to confirm something.

substantiates the claim

This alternative emphasizes the act of providing proof or support for an assertion.

affirms the validity

This alternative suggests confirming the accuracy or legitimacy of something.

FAQs

How can I use "lends support" in a sentence?

You can use "lends support" to indicate that something provides evidence or backing for a particular idea. For example, "The new data "lends support" to the hypothesis."

What are some alternatives to "lends support"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "provides assistance", "offers backing", or "gives credence to".

Which is correct, "lends support to" or "lends support for"?

"Lends support to" is the more common and generally preferred construction. While "lends support for" isn't necessarily incorrect, it's less idiomatic.

What's the difference between "lends support" and "provides evidence"?

"Lends support" implies a broader contribution to credibility or validity, while "provides evidence" specifically refers to offering factual information that confirms something. Evidence is more concrete, while support can be more general.