Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
support was sought
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "support was sought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that assistance or help was requested or pursued in a particular situation. Example: "In light of the recent challenges, support was sought from various community organizations to address the needs of the affected families."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
The team discovered that when general reference support was sought, staff often didn't have the time or skills to meet patrons' needs.
News & Media
Ms. Merkel's support was sought by Mr. Rajoy as Spain struggles with record unemployment and a deepening recession that forced Mr. Rajoy to acknowledge in early August that his government was considering seeking further European financing.
News & Media
While always recognized as movement leaders whose support was sought, Stanton and Anthony's voices were soon joined by others who began assuming leadership positions within the movement.
Wiki
No financial support was sought in the production of this article.
Science
Support was sought from the forum members and the project hoped to identify and sample all eligible CCI's.
The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/14/102/prepub No financial support was sought for this project.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
Neoprene orthoses are used extensively in treating conditions of the hand when flexibility and support are sought.
Science
Therefore, when emigrant support is sought for economic or political goals, either this should fall within an area of overlapping interests between emigrants and the sending state, or the latter should be able to offer something in return (Barry, 2006).
In the case of severe abnormalities in the examinations (i.e., life-threatening and treatable), medical support is sought immediately, which is facilitated by our study center being located directly at the University Hospital Regensburg.
Science
Perhaps forlorn Jets fans, who have rarely had a winning team to support, are seeking alternative entertainment on game days.
News & Media
Mr. Abbas, who was reluctantly appointed by Yasir Arafat under international pressure and has almost no popular support, is seeking political progress toward statehood to present his people with a tangible benefit to go with a crackdown on Palestinian violence.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "support was sought", ensure the context clearly indicates from whom or where the support was requested. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "support was sought" without specifying who or what the support was sought from. For example, instead of saying "support was sought", specify "support was sought from local community organizations".
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "support was sought" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone or some entity actively looked for assistance or aid. This usage is validated by Ludwig's examples that showcase its appearance across various contexts.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Academia
10%
Encyclopedias
5%
Wiki
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "support was sought" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to indicate that help or assistance was requested in the past. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. While "assistance was requested" or "help was requested" serve as direct alternatives, the specific context dictates the most fitting choice. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, its register leans toward neutral to formal, making it suitable for professional communication. Remember to specify the source of the support to ensure clarity. Although found in a limited number of examples, the phrase is deemed correct by Ludwig.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
assistance was requested
Replaces "support" with "assistance" and "sought" with "requested", focusing on the act of formally asking for help.
help was requested
A simpler variation, replacing "support" with "help" for directness.
aid was solicited
Emphasizes the active seeking of assistance.
backing was obtained
Focuses on the outcome of receiving support, implying that it was successfully acquired.
resources were requested
Highlights the specific request for resources as a form of support.
expertise was consulted
Shifts the focus to seeking knowledge or skill as a form of support.
guidance was asked for
Emphasizes the need for direction or advice.
approval was pursued
Highlights that permission or agreement was the aim.
endorsement was looked for
Focuses on seeking formal approval or validation.
approval was desired
Highlights the wish for agreement.
FAQs
How can I use "support was sought" in a sentence?
Use "support was sought" to indicate that assistance or help was requested. For example, "After the initial setbacks, support was sought from experienced mentors".
What are some alternatives to "support was sought"?
You can use alternatives like "assistance was requested", "help was requested", or "aid was solicited" to convey a similar meaning.
Is "support was sought" formal or informal?
The phrase "support was sought" carries a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts.
Which is better, "support was sought" or "support is being sought"?
The choice depends on the timing you want to convey. "Support was sought" indicates that the action of seeking support happened in the past, while "support is being sought" suggests that the action is currently in progress.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested