supporting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supporting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to providing assistance, backing, or reinforcement for an idea, argument, or individual. Example: "The research findings are supporting the theory that climate change is accelerating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are good reasons to be supporting bingo, there are good reasons to be encouraging our pub sector to be stronger - that's the analysis behind those measures".

The Guardian

"Every country in the world has a right to self-defence and I'm determined to put Britain's first-class defence industry at the forefront of this market, supporting 300,000 jobs across the country".

The Guardian - Business

Women appear to be supporting Labour despite, not because of, its leader.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A special motion condemning the riots and supporting those on the sharp end of seven days of disorder was backed across the Stormont assembly floor.

The Guardian

Under cross-examination by Fairfax's barrister, Matt Collins, Hockey was asked why the North Sydney Forum membership forms referred to providing practical support to Hockey and used the words "business and community leaders supporting Joe Hockey MP".

The Guardian

Angus Robertson, the SNP's Westminster leader and election campaign director, said the SNP's clear lead in former Labour strongholds was instead clear evidence Labour was being punished for its collaboration with the Tories during the independence referendum and for supporting spending cuts.

The Guardian

His point again was about mandates and that Labor should be supporting the repeal, which he claims will cut the average electricity bill by $550 a year.

The Guardian

In 1989, he was instrumental in supporting the founding and early development of the charity Citizens UK, which organises communities to act together for the common good.

The Guardian

Confrontations like Sheehan's are "a pretty typical situation that happens across the country these days", said Ron Honberg, director of policy and legal affairs at the National Alliance for Mental Illness (Nami), which filed a brief supporting her suit.

The Guardian

Or might friends at parties who complain to me be interested in supporting the campaign for a better-funded NHS? Are you a member of our online community?

The Guardian

That is why the UK and Australia are committed to scaling up financing - not just after 2012, but now, and why we are supporting the establishment of new funds administered by the World Bank for clean technologies, sustainable forestry, and for adaptation to climate change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "supporting", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being supported and the nature of the support being provided. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "I am supporting this". Instead, specify the action: "I am financially "supporting" this", or "I am publicly "supporting" this" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "supporting" is that of a present participle or gerund, often acting as a verb within a continuous tense or as a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "supporting" functions primarily as a verb, used to convey the act of providing assistance, approval, or resources. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and broadly applicable in English. Predominantly found in news and media, its usage spans various contexts, maintaining a neutral formality. Alternatives such as "aiding", "backing", and "endorsing" can offer nuanced expressions of the same core concept. When using "supporting", clarity is crucial, particularly in specifying what is being supported and the form of support being given. With its high frequency and grammatical correctness, "supporting" remains a versatile and reliable term in written and spoken communication, backed by highly authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

backing

Implies giving approval or encouragement, often publicly.

aiding

Focuses on providing assistance, often in a practical or tangible way.

endorsing

Suggests a formal or official approval of something.

bolstering

Suggests strengthening or reinforcing something that already exists.

sustaining

Highlights the act of maintaining or prolonging something over time.

upholding

Conveys the idea of maintaining or defending a principle or decision.

fostering

Implies nurturing or encouraging the development of something.

promoting

Emphasizes actively encouraging the growth or popularity of something.

championing

Indicates strong and public advocacy for a cause or idea.

furthering

Focuses on advancing or progressing a cause or objective.

FAQs

How can I use "supporting" in a sentence?

Use "supporting" to indicate providing assistance, approval, or encouragement. For example, "The data is "supporting" the hypothesis" or "The community is "supporting" the local school".

What are some alternatives to "supporting"?

You can use alternatives such as "aiding", "backing", or "endorsing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, instead of ""supporting" a cause", you might say "backing a cause".

When is it appropriate to use "supporting"?

"Supporting" is appropriate in various contexts, from formal reports to informal conversations, whenever you want to express the act of providing help, approval, or resources to something or someone.

What's the difference between "supporting" and "maintaining"?

"Supporting" implies providing help or resources to sustain or improve something, while "maintaining" focuses on keeping something in its current state. You "support" a project to help it grow, but you maintain equipment to keep it functioning.