social support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "social support" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the assistance and encouragement given to a person by a network of family and friends, or any other type of community of people. For example: "The elderly patient was helped to recover from her illness with the aid of social support from her church community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is social support.

The New York Times - Sports

"Social support protects from burnout.

The New York Times

All need social support.

The Guardian

Social support is also a factor.

The New York Times

They've got the same social support.

The New York Times

Social support and health.

Nature

Social support is key, too.

Cornell University

How is their social support?

Stanford University

Social support | Go Ask Alice!

Columbia University

The third treatment is social support.

The Guardian

Perceived social support.

Health & Justice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health interventions, specify the type of "social support" provided, such as emotional, informational, or tangible, to clarify its impact on outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "social support" as a catch-all term. Instead, identify the specific mechanisms through which it operates, such as enhanced self-esteem or increased access to resources, to provide a more nuanced understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "social support" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to the assistance and encouragement individuals receive from their social network. As Ludwig AI confirms, this support can come from various sources and contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "social support" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase referring to the assistance and encouragement received from social networks. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it plays a vital role in mental health, addiction recovery, and overall well-being. Its usage spans various contexts, including science, news media, and academia, with a generally neutral to formal tone. When using the phrase, it's essential to specify the type and mechanisms of "social support" to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "community assistance" and "emotional backing" can provide nuanced meaning depending on the specific situation. This Ludwig analysis provides a thorough understanding of how to effectively use and interpret the phrase in diverse settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

community assistance

Focuses on the help provided within a community, emphasizing the collective aspect.

emotional backing

Highlights the emotional aspect of support, emphasizing empathy and understanding.

network of care

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals providing support, creating a safety net.

family encouragement

Specifies the source of support as family, focusing on their role in providing motivation and confidence.

peer companionship

Highlights support from individuals within a similar social group or status, emphasizing shared experiences.

friendship resources

Focuses on friends as a source of support and the tangible benefits derived from these relationships.

social safety net

Emphasizes the role of support systems in protecting vulnerable individuals from hardship.

mutual assistance

Highlights reciprocal support within a group, where individuals both give and receive aid.

psychological comfort

Highlights the relief from mental distress that support can provide.

collaborative aid

Emphasizes the joint effort involved in providing support, highlighting teamwork and shared responsibility.

FAQs

How is "social support" beneficial for mental health?

"Social support" can improve mental health by reducing stress, promoting a sense of belonging, and providing coping mechanisms. It can also encourage individuals to seek professional help when needed.

What are examples of "social support" in the workplace?

Examples of "social support" in the workplace include supportive colleagues, mentorship programs, employee assistance programs, and a culture that values work-life balance.

How does perceived /s/perceived+social+support differ from received "social support"?

Perceived "social support" refers to an individual's belief that support is available, while received "social support" is the actual assistance one gets. Research suggests that perceived support is often more strongly linked to well-being.

What role does /s/community+support play in addiction recovery?

"Social support", particularly /s/community+support, can be crucial in addiction recovery. It offers a sense of belonging, reduces isolation, and provides encouragement to maintain sobriety through resources, such as support groups and peer mentoring.