means of support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "means of support" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that helps or assists someone in a difficult situation. For example, "She found comfort in knowing that her family and friends provided a means of support during her medical treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With no means of support, she moved to Beijing.

The New York Times

We had no means of support in Cuba.

The New York Times

My wife's salary has been the sole means of support.

The New York Times - Magazine

Apple, Samsung and the rest have alternative means of support.

The Economist

Scores of families lost their sole means of support.

The New York Times

Many more were left homeless or without means of support.

The New York Times

The C.I.A. mole Aldrich Ames courted exposure by living way beyond his visible means of support.

The New York Times - Books

"The essential thing, as Gandhi saw, is to detach a regime from its means of support.

The New York Times

Four elderly spinsters, without means of support, asked to be dismissed.

The New Yorker

You would clearly need other means of support during that time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which is probably just as well, as the family has no other visible means of support.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "means of support" to objectively describe the resources available, without implying judgment or bias.

Common error

Avoid limiting "means of support" solely to financial aspects. Consider including social, emotional, and community resources that contribute to overall well-being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "means of support" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as the object of a verb or the object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "means of support" is a versatile and widely used noun phrase that refers to the resources, methods, or systems providing sustenance or assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent appearance across various contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. Related phrases include "source of sustenance", "financial resources", and "livelihood", offering nuanced ways to express similar concepts. When using ""means of support"", consider the scope of support and avoid limiting it solely to financial aspects. By understanding its usage and context, you can effectively incorporate ""means of support"" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

source of sustenance

Focuses on the provision of basic necessities for survival.

sustenance

Refers to the necessities of life, like food and shelter.

financial resources

Specifically highlights the monetary aspect of support.

livelihood

Refers to the way someone earns a living.

economic stability

Emphasizes the state of being financially secure.

income stream

Highlights the regular flow of money.

safety net

Implies a system of protection against hardship.

avenue for survival

Focuses on how someone can continue to live despite challenges.

provisioning

Highlights the act of supplying necessary resources.

bread and butter

An idiomatic expression for a primary source of income.

FAQs

How can I use "means of support" in a sentence?

You can use "means of support" to describe how someone sustains themselves or their family, for example: "Her job as a teacher was her primary "means of support"." or "The government provides various "means of support" to unemployed citizens".

What are some alternatives to "means of support"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "source of income", "livelihood", "financial resources", or "sustenance" as alternatives to ""means of support"".

Is it correct to say "mean of support" instead of "means of support"?

No, the correct phrase is ""means of support"". "Means" is plural in this context, referring to the various ways someone can sustain themselves.

What does it mean when someone has "no visible means of support"?

It means they don't have an obvious way to earn money or sustain themselves. This phrase often implies suspicion or uncertainty about how someone is living.