look for support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look for support" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you are encouraging someone to seek help or assistance from others. Example: "When facing difficult times, don't be afraid to look for support from your loved ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need help with those; we look for support.

The New York Times

"I had to learn to look for support.

The New York Times - Sports

I am not here to look for support for HER.

The New York Times - Magazine

You can also look for support within your new community.

Columbia University

Look for support networks and coaching that already exist in your local community.

The Guardian

"I look for support from folks I believe to be essential," he said.

The New York Times

The nuclear industry may also look for support among communities where struggling plants are based.

The Guardian

He doesn't look for support from consumers, however, because they already have much legal protection from credit card fraud losses.

The New York Times

The new doctor she found "really pushed me to educate myself further and pushed me to look for support".

The New York Times - Health

Don't wait until it happens to look for support as you'll have enough on your plate already.

The Guardian

In these positions, he will look for support from Tony Hibbert to pressure the Chelsea left flank.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "look for support", be specific about the type of support needed and from whom it is being sought. This clarifies the intention and makes it easier for others to understand and offer relevant assistance.

Common error

Avoid using "look for support" without specifying the kind of assistance required. Instead of saying 'I need to look for support', specify 'I need to look for technical support' or 'I need to look for emotional support' to ensure clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look for support" functions as a verb phrase, where "look" is the main verb and "for support" acts as a prepositional phrase specifying the object of the action. It indicates the action of seeking or searching for assistance, resources, or encouragement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look for support" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies the act of seeking assistance, resources, or encouragement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in various contexts, including news, general advice, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, specifying the type of support needed enhances clarity and relevance. While it is appropriate in many registers, formal contexts may benefit from more precise synonyms like "seek assistance" or "request aid". Remember to avoid overgeneralizing the type of support to ensure your message is clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek assistance

Emphasizes a formal request for help or aid.

request aid

Focuses on obtaining help, often in a challenging situation.

solicit help

Implies actively seeking out assistance from others.

find backing

Highlights the aspect of gaining approval or resources for a cause or project.

gather resources

Focuses on collecting the necessary materials or support to achieve a goal.

enlist aid

Suggests actively engaging others to provide help.

pursue assistance

Implies a determined effort to obtain help.

obtain guidance

Highlights seeking advice and direction.

court favor

Suggests trying to gain approval or support, often from someone in a position of power.

build alliances

Emphasizes forming partnerships to gain collective support.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "look for support" in a formal context?

In a formal context, you can replace "look for support" with phrases like "seek assistance", "request aid", or "solicit help" for a more professional tone.

What are some alternatives to "look for support" when seeking emotional help?

When looking for emotional help, consider using phrases like "seek emotional support", "find comfort", or "connect with a support group".

Is it appropriate to use "look for support" in academic writing?

While "look for support" is generally acceptable, academic writing often benefits from more precise language. Consider alternatives like "gather research", "seek expert opinion", or "consult relevant literature" to convey a more scholarly tone.

How does "look for support" differ from "look for help"?

"Look for help" is a broader term that can refer to any type of assistance, while "look for support" often implies seeking ongoing assistance or resources to cope with a specific challenge or situation. Support often involves a network or system of aid, whereas help can be a one-time event.