obtain support

USAGE SUMMARY

"obtain support" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person or people seeking help from others to reach a goal. For example: "In order to achieve its mission, the organization has begun to reach out to different businesses in order to obtain support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With President Bush's decision, the stations must now obtain support from Mr. Pataki and Mr. Bloomberg.

The New York Times

The long-awaited trial is expected to delve into the methods used by the Workers Party to obtain support in Congress.

The New York Times

When this plan failed the nobility elected Michael Wiśniowiecki in 1669 she began working to obtain support from Louis XIV of France for her husband's advancement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ashur-nadin-ahhe II (c. 1392 c. 1383) was even able to obtain support from Egypt, which sent him a consignment of gold.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The government had hoped to obtain support for its plan before the European Union meeting on Thursday to approve a beefed-up euro-zone rescue fund.

The New York Times

The government thought it had the upper hand when it managed to obtain support for a modified law by reformist unions, and hoped that the protests would slowly die down.

The Guardian - Opinion

To obtain support from the governor of New Jersey, he linked the trade center with a takeover of the financially strapped New Jersey commuter railroad we now call PATH.

The New York Times - Books

But he did say it was unlawful to detain U.S. citizens without charges, and argued that it's always preferable for the commander in chief to obtain support from Congress prior to military actions.

The New York Times

Mr. Grant is correct that the president has not appealed enough to the American people to obtain support for his policies, but I am not even sure what his policies are.

The New York Times

They include a digital service for people with mental health problems called Big White Wall, which has more than 20,000 members who share experiences, obtain support and advice and can get one-to-one online therapy from professionals.

Independent

This is the third year in which the United States has sought the exemption, and though there were three abstentions last year and several more expected this year, American diplomats in May said they felt confident they could obtain support for a "technical rollover" of the measure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a grant proposal, explicitly state how you plan to "obtain support" from key stakeholders to ensure project success.

Common error

Avoid using "obtain support" when the context implies passively receiving assistance. "Obtain" suggests active effort, so ensure the sentence reflects proactive steps taken to gain help.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain support" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of actively seeking and acquiring assistance, approval, or resources from others. Ludwig AI confirms its usability as a correct and acceptable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtain support" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase that signifies the active pursuit and acquisition of assistance. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability. This phrase, commonly found in scientific, news, and business contexts, indicates a proactive approach to gaining resources, approval, or help, distinguishing it from passively receiving support. Alternatives like "garner backing" or "secure endorsement" can be used to adjust the formality or emphasis. When using "obtain support", ensure the context aligns with active effort rather than passive acceptance. Overall, this phrase is a versatile and reliable choice for expressing the need for assistance in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get backing

A more informal way of saying "obtain support".

garner backing

Replaces "obtain" with a more formal verb, implying a gradual accumulation of support.

find assistance

Focuses on the act of locating and receiving help.

secure endorsement

Focuses on gaining formal approval or recommendation.

procure aid

Emphasizes the effort involved in acquiring help.

attract assistance

Highlights the act of drawing in help, rather than actively seeking it.

solicit assistance

Highlights the act of asking for help.

cultivate advocacy

Emphasizes the development of active support over time.

generate support

Focuses on the action of creating or increasing support.

win approval

Stresses the achievement of gaining a positive judgement or consent.

FAQs

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

You can use "obtain support" to describe actively seeking and receiving assistance for a cause, project, or idea. For example, "The organization worked hard to obtain support from local businesses."

What are some alternatives to "obtain support"?

Alternatives include "gain backing", "secure endorsement", or "attract assistance" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "obtain support" or "get support"?

"Obtain support" is generally considered more formal than "get support". The choice depends on the formality of the writing.

What's the difference between "obtain support" and "receive support"?

"Obtain support" implies an active effort to acquire assistance, while "receive support" suggests passively getting help without necessarily seeking it out.