secure backing

USAGE SUMMARY

'secure backing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to support something has received, for example: "The new initiative received secure backing from the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Syria's neighbours, many of whom are keen to see the back of Mr Assad, are unwilling publicly to back an American strike, even if some do so in private, and the Arab League has called for the matter to go to the UN, where it would no doubt fail to secure backing from China and Russia, two of the security's council five veto powers.

The Economist

With the imprimatur of Le Mans, Bowlby was able to secure backing to build the car.

The New York Times

The first is that Mr Papandreou must secure backing for a detailed reform programme.

The Economist

But even Mr. Lazio's absence may not be enough to secure backing for Mrs. Clinton.

The New York Times

The long delay in reaching a deal undermined the government's campaign to secure backing for the debt-restructuring proposal.

The Economist

While President Obama can't expect much from Congress, he should still, at a minimum, secure backing from legislative leaders for military action.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Pearson just wants to try and secure back-to-back wins for the first time since February.

The Guardian - Sport

She is the latest player on the tour to secure back-to-back titles following her Irish Open victory last month.

BBC

After claiming the League Two crown in May, manager Paolo Di Canio publicly stated his intention to secure back-to-back promotions.

BBC

Barnsley defeated 10-man Blackpool to secure back-to-back league wins and edge closer to Championship safety.

BBC

Division Three leaders Fermanagh need a point against Meath in Navan to secure back-to-back promotions under Peter Canavan.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about strategic alliances or partnerships, use "secure backing" to emphasize the importance of gaining confirmed support from key stakeholders.

Common error

Avoid substituting "backup" for "backing". "Backing" refers to support, while "backup" refers to a reserve or duplicate. Using the terms interchangeably will confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "secure backing" is a verb phrase, where "secure" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object, and "backing" serves as the direct object. Ludwig AI illustrates this usage in examples like "Mr Papandreou must secure backing for a detailed reform programme."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secure backing" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the action of obtaining support or approval, according to Ludwig AI. It's often used in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. While related phrases like "garner support" or "obtain endorsement" may be suitable alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey, it is important not to confuse "backing" with the unrelated word "backup". As Ludwig examples demonstrate, the meaning is consistent: to ensure that support is in place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure financing

Focuses on making financial resources available and guaranteed.

garner support

Implies a gradual accumulation of support from various sources.

lock down funding

Emphasizes making funding secure, often with a strong connotation of certainty.

obtain endorsement

Emphasizes formal approval or permission, often from an authority.

find assistance

Emphasizes discovery and acquisition of help or support.

win approval

Highlights the act of persuading someone to agree or support an idea.

underwrite commitment

Highlights formal acceptance of responsibility and provision of funds.

get the go-ahead

Indicates receiving permission to proceed with a plan or project.

attract funding

Focuses specifically on obtaining financial support for a project.

procure sponsorship

Suggests a formal agreement where support is provided in exchange for publicity.

FAQs

How is "secure backing" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "secure backing" usually describes the action of obtaining support or approval for a plan, idea, or project. For example, "The proposal needs to "secure backing" from the board before it can be implemented."

What are some alternatives to "secure backing"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "garner support", "obtain endorsement", or "win approval".

Is it better to say "secure backing" or "securing backing"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Secure backing" is a verb phrase, while "securing backing" (gerund form) can act as a noun. The choice depends on the sentence structure. For example: "They need to secure backing" versus "Securing backing is essential for the project."

What does it mean to "secure backing" for a political candidate?

In politics, to "secure backing" means to gain the support of individuals, groups, or organizations who can provide resources, endorsements, or votes to help the candidate win an election. For example, a candidate might seek to "secure backing" from labor unions or community leaders.