primary supports

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary supports" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main sources of assistance or reinforcement in a particular context, such as in a discussion about resources or structures. Example: "The primary supports for the project include funding from the government and partnerships with local organizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In addition, the Liberal government weakened the position of the CEP's in the system by removing them as the primary supports for family childcare.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

In a suburban Philadelphia seat almost every Democrat in a crowded primary supports abolishing ICE.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Its primary support, however, was always from the Congregationalists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A.L. umpires formed most of the opposition to Phillips, whose primary support came from National League umpires.

The New York Times - Sports

As Mr. Carson at Working Capital Fund said, "organizations cannot be viable long-term if their primary support is from grant dollars".

The New York Times

Her primary support comes from the prime minister, Lord Melbourne - a very dignified, occasionally tearful Mr. Hawthorne.

The New York Times

Since steel became available, it has been widely used as the first temporary stage or primary support.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The kinship network often serves as the primary support structure in the absence of sufficient social welfare provisions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is no superintendent regularly visiting; it is up to Mr. Turay to call his network leader — his primary support person — on her cellphone when he needs help.

The New York Times

The restless young, who have been the primary support of the rise of this kind of folk music over the past five years, regard two performers as their preëminent spokesmen.

The New Yorker

Exit polls showed that 89% of black voters in Mississippi's Democratic primary supported Clinton and made up 69% of the electorate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary supports", ensure the context clearly defines what those supports are and why they are considered primary. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "primary supports" without explicitly stating what these supports are. Vague references can confuse readers and diminish the impact of your statement. Always provide specific details for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary supports" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it identifies the most important sources of assistance or reinforcement in a given context. For instance, it specifies the essential elements upholding a structure or system.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "primary supports" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that refers to the main sources of assistance or reinforcement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's context-dependent and requires clear definition to avoid ambiguity. While the phrase is considered rare in frequency, its understanding is generally neutral to formal, with science and news media being its most common context. When writing, ensure you explicitly define what the primary supports are to maintain clarity. Related phrases include "mainstays" and "cornerstones".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary sources of help

Replaces "supports" with "sources of help", maintaining the focus on assistance.

principal assistance

This directly replaces 'supports' with a synonym focusing on the act of providing help.

major sources of aid

This alternative emphasizes the provision of assistance and identifies the origin from where such aid originates.

mainstays

This term emphasizes the reliable and essential nature of the supports, highlighting their role as dependable elements.

cornerstones

This emphasizes the fundamental, indispensable nature of the supports, suggesting they are crucial for stability.

essential resources

This term highlights the indispensable nature of the supports, emphasizing their importance.

key foundations

This highlights the foundational aspect of the supports, stressing their importance in providing a base.

vital elements

Focuses on the importance and necessity of the supports within a system or structure.

chief underpinnings

This stresses the supporting role from beneath, suggesting a crucial structural element.

core infrastructure

Highlights the foundational and structural aspect of the supports, suggesting a fundamental network.

FAQs

How can I use "primary supports" in a sentence?

You can use "primary supports" to refer to the main sources of assistance or reinforcement in a particular context. For example: "The "primary supports" for the project include funding from the government and partnerships with local organizations."

What are some alternatives to "primary supports"?

Some alternatives to "primary supports" include "mainstays", "cornerstones", "key foundations", or "chief underpinnings", depending on the context.

What does "primary supports" mean in the context of tunnel construction?

In tunnel construction, "primary supports" refer to the initial structural elements installed to stabilize the excavation immediately after digging. These temporary or permanent supports prevent collapse and ensure the safety of workers and equipment.

Is "primary supports" the same as "main supports"?

While "primary supports" and "main supports" are similar, "primary supports" often implies the first or most immediate form of support, whereas "main supports" simply denotes the most important or significant supports.