supported on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supported on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is held up or sustained by another object or structure. Example: "The bridge is supported on strong concrete pillars that ensure its stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yngve sat with his head supported on one hand staring out the window.

The New Yorker

"We have two concrete backbones supported on rock".

The New York Times

He is still supported on his upright stick.

Independent

Supported on both sides, she left the room.

Independent

"New low-rise buildings could be supported on existing pilings," Mr. Lane said.

The New York Times

Oh, and they're not too keen on Royal Blood, who they supported on tour in Europe.

The Guardian - Music

The new tower rises from within these old walls, supported on diagonal and upright megacolumns.

The New York Times

In addition, they are supported on release by an offender manager.

The Guardian

The glass roof of the top-floor galleries is supported on delicate steel trusses.

The New York Times - Arts

The former buildings were supported on piles, however, and the supports and concrete caps remain.

The New York Times

It is a place of somber dark marble supported on soaring columns of greenish Connemara marble.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In abstract contexts, clarify what provides the foundation or justification. For instance, "The argument is supported on solid evidence."

Common error

Avoid using "supported on" when the intended meaning is simply "located on" or "present on". "Supported on" implies a functional relationship where one element relies on another for stability or validity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supported on" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate the means by which something is upheld, sustained, or based. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The prepositional phrase "supported on" is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It denotes a relationship of physical or conceptual reliance, indicating how an object or idea is upheld or validated. This expression is prevalent in scientific and news media sources and demonstrates a neutral to formal register. While it can be effectively replaced with alternatives like "resting on" or "based on", understanding its specific connotations is crucial for precise communication. Avoiding its use simply to mean "located on" is a key to accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resting on

Indicates physical support or placement on a surface.

based on

Emphasizes the foundation or rationale upon which something is built or decided.

dependent on

Highlights reliance or contingency on something else.

sustained by

Focuses on continuous support or maintenance.

underpinned by

Suggests a fundamental or underlying support system.

founded on

Implies that something is established or initiated on a particular basis.

anchored to

Indicates a secure and stable attachment.

backed by

Highlights endorsement, approval, or financial backing.

carried by

Focuses on the act of bearing or transporting something.

propped up by

Suggests a temporary or makeshift support.

FAQs

What does "supported on" mean?

"Supported on" indicates that something is physically held up or sustained by something else, or that an idea or argument is based on particular evidence or principles.

What are some alternatives to "supported on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "resting on", "based on", or "dependent on".

How can I use "supported on" in a sentence?

You can use "supported on" to describe physical support, as in "The roof is supported on sturdy beams", or to describe conceptual support, as in "The theory is supported on extensive research".

Is there a difference between "supported on" and "based on"?

While both phrases imply reliance, "supported on" often refers to physical or structural support, whereas "based on" typically refers to a foundation of evidence, reasoning, or principles.