supports to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supports to" is not correct and usable in written English.
It is typically incorrect because "support" is usually followed by a gerund or a noun, not "to" plus a verb. Example: "The organization supports providing resources to the community."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These policies are now life supports to many working women.

The Guardian - Opinion

Children in poverty require broad supports to succeed in school.

The New York Times

But fundraising has allowed just over half the families it currently supports to receive free treatment.

The Guardian

Further cluttering the view would be large structural supports to add more stability to the wall.

The New York Times

New enrollees would be given "premium supports" to help them buy private insurance.

The New York Times

From soil conservation to price supports to trade, American farm policies are all on hold.

The Economist

He also supports to the hilt President Bush's policy of pre-emptive strikes on states that sponsor terrorism.

The New York Times

As far as Bono is concerned, he owes it to the people whose cause he supports to remain politically neutral.

The Guardian - Music

When millions of workers lost paychecks to foreign competition, they lacked government supports to cushion the blow.

The New York Times

The tunnel walls are bare soil with regular wooden supports to prevent collapse - although it still remains a dangerous business.

The Guardian

Then I cover the pots or box with a plastic bag stretched over wire supports, to keep in moisture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to express assistance or contribution, replace "supports to" with grammatically correct alternatives such as "aids in", "helps to", or "contributes to" to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "supports to" when you mean "supports" followed by a gerund or noun. For example, instead of writing "The organization supports to provide resources", write "The organization supports providing resources" or "The organization supports resource provision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supports to" is generally grammatically incorrect, often intended to express assistance or contribution. Ludwig AI indicates that the correct usage involves following "support" with a gerund or noun rather than "to" + verb. The intended function is usually to indicate aid or facilitation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "supports to" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. While found in a considerable number of sources, its use is discouraged due to grammatical flaws. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, it's more appropriate to use "supports" followed by a noun or gerund, or to choose alternative phrases like "aids in", "helps to", or "contributes to" depending on the intended context. Correcting this common error will ensure clearer and more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aids in

Replaces "supports to" with a verb phrase that means to help or assist in achieving something.

assists with

Similar to 'aids in', this phrase indicates providing help or support, but with a different preposition.

contributes to

Suggests that something adds to or helps bring about a result.

helps to

A more direct and common way to express providing assistance.

facilitates

Indicates making something easier or more likely to happen.

promotes

Suggests actively encouraging or furthering the progress of something.

underpins

Implies providing a foundation or support for something.

bolsters

Suggests strengthening or reinforcing something.

sustains

Indicates maintaining or supporting something over time.

is conducive to

This alternative suggests creating favorable conditions for something to occur or thrive.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use the word "support"?

The word "support" can be used as a verb followed by a noun or a gerund (verb ending in -ing). For example, "I support your decision" or "I support providing aid". Avoid using "supports to".

What are some alternatives to "supports to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "aids in", "assists with", or "contributes to".

Is "supports to" grammatically correct?

No, "supports to" is generally not grammatically correct. The correct usage typically involves "supports" followed by a noun or a gerund.

How can I avoid making mistakes when using the word "support"?

Double-check your sentence structure. If you intend to use "support" as a verb, ensure it's followed by a direct object or a gerund. If you're aiming to express assistance or contribution, consider alternatives like "helps to" or "is conducive to".