prop up

USAGE SUMMARY

"prop up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to mean "support or strengthen, often with effort". For example, "The government spent billions of dollars to prop up the struggling economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some have defence industries to prop up.

The Economist

Corinthian columns prop up the bulging roof.

The Economist

Meanwhile, Yorkshire prop up the table.

The Guardian - Sport

Those rules prop up an outdated and exploitative system.

The New York Times - Sports

CHINA is to spend $586 billion to prop up growth.

The Economist

Some urge it to prop up the currency.

The Economist

In many countries unions prop up the left.

The Economist

Others prop up the bar and chat up the barmaid.

Independent

That leaves domestic consumers to prop up the ailing economy.

The New York Times

A surge in exports has helped prop up orders.

The New York Times

Concrete erosion controls prop up many of the neighborhoods.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prop up", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being supported and why. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "prop up" when describing abstract concepts that don't involve a sense of preventing collapse or decline. Opt for words like "support" or "enhance" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "prop up" primarily functions as a dynamic verb phrase, indicating an action of providing support to prevent something from failing or declining. Ludwig examples show its usage in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "prop up" is a versatile term primarily used to describe providing support to prevent decline or failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "prop up", ensure clarity by specifying what is being supported. Be mindful of its implication of preventing collapse, and consider alternatives like "support" or "bolster" for more general support scenarios. Given its widespread use and clear meaning, mastering "prop up" will enhance your writing across many domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shore up

Similar to "prop up", implying reinforcement against collapse.

bolster

A single word alternative that means to strengthen or support.

buttress

Suggests strengthening with external support.

reinforce

Implies strengthening something that already exists.

support

A general term for providing assistance or backing.

underpin

Means to support from below, providing a foundation.

hold up

To keep something from falling or declining.

sustain

To maintain or keep something going.

brace

To prepare or support something against impact.

maintain

To keep something in its current state, often through effort.

FAQs

How can I use "prop up" in a sentence?

You can use "prop up" to describe physically supporting something, as in "Sticks prop up ragged tarpaulins", or metaphorically, as in "These expats help "prop up" their homeland's economy".

What are some alternatives to "prop up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "bolster", "support", or "shore up".

Is it correct to use "prop up" in a formal context?

Yes, "prop up" can be used in formal contexts, particularly when discussing economic or political support. However, ensure the tone remains appropriate for the setting.

What's the difference between "prop up" and "support"?

"Prop up" often implies that something is in danger of failing or declining, whereas "support" is a more general term for providing assistance or backing. "Prop up" suggests preventing a collapse, while "support" may simply maintain a stable state.