points of support

USAGE SUMMARY

"points of support" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in almost any context where you're talking about the evidence or reasons behind a particular argument. For example: "Before coming to a conclusion, we must consider all the points of support available to us."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

One by one they will cut all its points of support, and it will collapse from end to end.

Harvard University

Instead, Mr. Gingrich could pick up a few points of support from Mr. Santorum in these states, making Mr. Romney's path even easier.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, one Italian newspaper with a strong anti-American slant has insisted that Pendar's association with Coca-Cola constitutes "confirmation of the rumors that the American espionage network has in this drink one of its secret points of support".

The New Yorker

I will be looking at the way in which power is figured as tactical, as involving "networks, currents, relays, points of support, differences of potential," and how this gets played out in the relationship between hysterics and their doctors.

Columbia University

The downward and forward thrust of the mast, located between the two points of support, served to increase rudder traction and reduce the tendency of the craft to spin on the ice.

Britannica

Secondly, due to the three points of support, the beam pointing errors are less for wind and gravity loading or, alternately, the weight of the supporting structure to maintain desired deflections of the mirrors are significantly lower.

Solar Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The proposed design of the pendulum has a fixed bottom rotation or point of support as opposed to the usual vertically or horizontally moving point of support to stabilize the pendulum, allowing for small form factor desktop design of an inverted pendulum experiment.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Another point of support from the research was that "we have a lot of repeat purchase," he added, borrowing a term from product marketing, which buttressed a belief that many tourists speaking for the hidden cameras would offer positive comments.

The New York Times

This is a striking point of support for Gintis's optimism about the reach of game theory.

SEP

On election day, they received 22 percent of the popular vote, so at best it added an extra percentage point of support.

Wikipedia

With the fortification providing a logistics base and point of support for future operations into Maratha territory, Wellesley installed a garrison and headed north towards the Nizam's city of Aurungabad.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "points of support", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being supported. Providing specific examples or details strengthens the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "points of support" without clearly defining what these points are. For example, instead of saying "the project lacked points of support", specify which areas needed bolstering, such as "the project lacked financial and logistical points of support".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "points of support" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the elements that provide backing or justification for a claim, argument, or structure. Ludwig examples confirm that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "points of support" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase utilized across various domains, including science, news, media, and academia. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for almost any context in which you're highlighting the evidence or reasons behind a particular assertion. The phrase conveys the function of providing justification or reinforcement. When using "points of support", it is best practice to be specific and clear about what is being supported. Avoiding vague references enhances the phrase's impact and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supporting arguments

Focuses on the argumentative aspect, emphasizing the reasons behind a claim.

foundational elements

Highlights the basic, underlying components that provide a base.

cornerstones

Emphasizes the essential and indispensable nature of the supports.

key underpinnings

Stresses the fundamental and critical nature of the supportive factors.

bases of evidence

Highlights the evidential foundation for a particular argument or conclusion.

pillars of strength

Implies that these supports are reliable and strong.

critical success factors

Highlights elements crucial for a project's, or a business' success.

fundamental tenets

Refers to basic principles or doctrines that support a system of belief.

primary justifications

Refers directly to the reasons given to defend or validate something.

mainstays

Highlights reliable and essential supportive elements.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "points of support" in a sentence?

Use "points of support" to refer to specific evidence, arguments, or factors that help sustain or validate a particular idea, structure, or claim. For example: "The research provided several strong "points of support" for the new theory."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "points of support"?

Depending on the context, you could use "supporting arguments", "foundational elements", or "key underpinnings".

Is it correct to use "points of support" in academic writing?

Yes, "points of support" is a perfectly acceptable phrase for academic writing. It clearly conveys the idea of evidence or reasons backing up a claim or hypothesis, and can be easily found in academic sources.

How does "points of support" differ from "areas of support"?

"Points of support" typically refers to specific pieces of evidence or reasons, whereas "areas of support" is broader and can refer to general fields or categories that offer assistance or backing. For example: "The policy received broad "areas of support" from the community", compared to "The study provided several "points of support" for the hypothesis".