prop me up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prop me up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking for support or assistance, either physically or metaphorically, to help someone maintain their position or morale. Example: "After a long day at work, I just need a friend to prop me up and help me unwind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

HuffPost

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"It would help prop me up.

The New York Times

I used the drink to prop me up".

The Guardian - Sport

He would lie back on a bed and prop me up on his chest and invent things to tell me.

The New Yorker

How did you know?" It would have been an entirely wrong decision to prop me up at that point in my life.

The New York Times

I folded one leg beneath me on the sagging banquette to prop me up to normal dining height; an adult booster seat would have been a quick fix.

The New York Times

But there was no one around to admonish me, and so Ela, I said to her, come on, and then I stood, successfully this time, maybe because Mama kept her side pressed against me, as if to prop me up as I kept one hand against the brick wall of the house.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Blue props me up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Writing is the thing that props me up.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Pete propped me up and actually shoved me across the goal line, and I reeled into the end zone.

The New York Times - Sports

With Tim propping me up from behind, I gave four huge pushes and the baby slid into Alexandria's hands.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They took me out, propped me up on a barstool and tried to talk to me through my thousand-yard stare.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prop me up" when you want to convey a sense of needing support, either literally (physically) or figuratively (emotionally or mentally).

Common error

While "prop me up" is acceptable in many situations, it can sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "support me" or "assist me" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prop me up" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, used to request assistance or support, either physically or emotionally. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is considered correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

HuffPost

15%

The Guardian

10%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prop me up" is a common phrasal verb used to express a need for support or assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. While generally appropriate in neutral to informal contexts like news and media, more formal synonyms such as "support me" or "assist me" are recommended for academic or professional writing. Be mindful to not use the word in formal contexts. Whether asking for physical help or emotional encouragement, "prop me up" is a straightforward way to convey your need for support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

support me

Focuses on providing general assistance or encouragement.

bolster me

Emphasizes strengthening or reinforcing one's confidence or position.

sustain me

Highlights the ongoing support needed to maintain one's well-being or performance.

uplift me

Implies raising one's spirits or emotional state.

encourage me

Focuses on providing motivation and confidence.

aid me

Stresses providing help or assistance in a practical way.

assist me

Similar to 'aid me', but can imply a more formal or structured support system.

lend me strength

Emphasizes the transfer of power or resilience from one person to another.

give me a boost

Suggests a temporary lift or surge of energy or confidence.

shore me up

Similar to bolster, but carries a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

What does it mean to "prop me up"?

To "prop me up" means to support or assist someone, either physically or metaphorically, helping them to maintain their position or morale. It implies a need for help in staying upright or stable.

What can I say instead of "prop me up"?

You can use alternatives like "support me", "bolster me", or "uplift me" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "prop up me" instead of "prop me up"?

No, the correct phrasing is "prop me up". "Prop" is a transitive verb that requires the particle "up" to follow the verb. In phrasal verbs, the pronoun typically goes between the verb and the particle.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "prop me up"?

The phrase "prop me up" is appropriate in informal contexts when expressing a need for support, encouragement, or assistance to maintain one's position or well-being. Be mindful of using a more formal tone, and choose alternatives if the context requires it.