to be backed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be backed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to support or endorsement from someone or something, often in contexts like business, finance, or personal relationships. Example: "The project is expected to be backed by several investors who believe in its potential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But human beings, we love to be backed into a corner.

Vice

"Everything seemed to be backed up".

The New York Times - Tech

All her talk has to be backed up.

The New York Times - Sports

Warm words need to be backed up by immediate action.

The Guardian

Pledges need now to be backed by concerted, concrete action.

The Guardian

This observation appears to be backed up by recent research.

Harvard Business Review

That position appears to be backed by Russia.

The Guardian

Component-based software engineering needs to be backed by thorough formal concepts and modeling techniques.

The Journal of Logic and Algebraic Programming

Provision is also made for the plate to be backed by an elastic foundation of arbitrary spring stiffness.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

"But I also know that diplomacy needs to be backed by force sometimes, and inspections need to be backed by pressure".

The New York Times

He needs to be backed, or sacked, by the new owner.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be backed", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is providing the support. This adds clarity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "to be backed" as it can make your writing sound weak. Where appropriate, rephrase the sentence to use active voice, which often results in a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be backed" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is receiving support or endorsement from an external source. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be backed" is a grammatically correct and very common passive construction used to indicate that something or someone is receiving support or endorsement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the source of support. While versatile, be mindful of potential overuse of passive voice. Consider active voice alternatives for more direct and impactful writing. Highly authoritative sources frequently employ the phrase, making it a reliable choice for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be supported

Indicates general assistance or approval, slightly broader than specific endorsement.

to be endorsed

Emphasizes formal approval or recommendation.

to be upheld

Suggests maintaining or defending something, often a decision or principle.

to be sustained

Implies continuous support or maintenance over time.

to be reinforced

Highlights the strengthening or bolstering of an idea or position.

to be validated

Focuses on confirming the accuracy or legitimacy of something.

to be ratified

Refers to formal consent or sanction.

to be championed

Suggests active and vocal support for a cause or idea.

to be underwritten

Implies financial backing or guarantee.

to be promoted

Emphasizes active efforts to encourage or popularize something.

FAQs

What does "to be backed" mean?

The phrase "to be backed" means to receive support or endorsement from someone or something. It implies that an entity or idea is being assisted or promoted by another.

How can I use "to be backed" in a sentence?

You can use "to be backed" in a sentence like this: "The project is expected "to be backed" by several investors who believe in its potential."

What can I say instead of "to be backed"?

You can use alternatives like "to be supported", "to be endorsed", or "to be upheld" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to be backed by" or "to be backed from"?

"To be backed by" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "To be backed from" is not standard English.