lends support to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lends support to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing evidence or arguments that reinforce or back up a particular claim or idea. Example: "The recent study lends support to the theory that climate change is accelerating."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other data also lends support to show this is the true scale of problem.

BBC

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

The agreement with experimental data lends support to this "percolative fragmentation" mechanism.

Chemical Engineering Science

This lends support to the "semi-occluded" status of this genre.

English for Specific Purposes

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

Independent

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

The New York Times

The third regulation, entitled "Promotion work," lends support to this view.

Cornell University

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lends support to", ensure that the evidence or data you're referencing directly relates to and strengthens the claim you're making. Be specific about how the support is provided.

Common error

Avoid using "lends support to" when the evidence is weak or circumstantial. Overstating the strength of evidence can undermine your credibility. If the evidence is not conclusive, use phrases like "suggests" or "hints at" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lends support to" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate that something provides evidence or reinforcement for a particular idea, theory, or claim. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

35%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lends support to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something provides evidence or reinforcement for an idea or claim. As Ludwig AI states, it's suitable for use in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the evidence clearly and directly relates to the claim. Alternatives like "provides evidence for" or "strengthens the argument" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provides evidence for

Uses "provides" instead of "lends" and "evidence" instead of "support", focusing on the evidence aspect.

reinforces the theory

Similar to strengthens, but specifically used in the context of theories.

strengthens the argument

Highlights the strengthening effect on an argument, rather than just providing support.

corroborates the findings

Specifically used when new information confirms or supports existing findings.

backs up the idea

Employs "backs up" as a more informal and direct way of expressing support.

validates the hypothesis

Implies a more rigorous confirmation, often used in scientific contexts.

substantiates the claim

Offers a more formal and assertive way of saying that a claim is being supported.

bears out the prediction

Suggests that an outcome confirms a previous prediction.

upholds the view

Suggests maintaining or defending a particular viewpoint or opinion.

gives credence to

Offers a slightly more formal and indirect way of suggesting belief or support.

FAQs

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

Use "lends support to" to indicate that certain evidence or information strengthens a particular argument, theory, or idea. For example, "The latest research "lends support to" the hypothesis that exercise improves cognitive function".

What are some alternatives to "lends support to"?

You can use alternatives such as "provides evidence for", "backs up the idea", or "strengthens the argument" depending on the context.

Is "lends support to" formal or informal?

"Lends support to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, alternatives like "substantiates the claim" or "corroborates the findings" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "lends support to" and "suggests"?

"Lends support to" implies a stronger connection and more direct reinforcement than "suggests". "Suggests" indicates a possibility or a hint, while ""lends support to"" implies a bolstering of an existing idea or argument.