to be supportive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be supportive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of providing help, encouragement, or assistance to someone. Example: "In times of difficulty, it's important to be supportive of your friends and family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We've tried to be supportive.

Independent

You try to be supportive".

The New York Times

'We want to be supportive.

The Guardian - Sport

"I want to be supportive.

The New York Times

We all want to be supportive.

The New York Times - Sports

"But there's room to be supportive, too".

The New York Times - Sports

They're going to be supportive of him.

The New York Times - Sports

"Kevin tries to be supportive and encouraging".

The New York Times - Style

Buckingham Palace is understood to be supportive.

The Guardian

It's also important to be supportive.

The New York Times

Murdoch is understood to be supportive of the new role.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be supportive", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being supported. For clarity, specify the object of your support.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that you want "to be supportive" without demonstrating concrete actions or examples of how you intend to provide support. Show, don't just tell.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be supportive" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express an intention, purpose, or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in English. It commonly acts as an adjective complementing a verb, describing the manner in which someone acts or intends to act.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be supportive" is a grammatically sound and versatile infinitive phrase used to express the intention or act of providing help and encouragement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usability. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, it conveys a neutral to positive tone. For clarity, always specify the object of your support and avoid vagueness by demonstrating concrete supportive actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to lend support

Emphasizes the act of giving or providing assistance.

to offer encouragement

Focuses specifically on providing emotional support and motivation.

to stand by someone

Implies loyalty and unwavering support, especially during difficult times.

to back up someone

Suggests providing practical assistance or defending someone's position.

to root for someone

Conveys enthusiastic support and a desire for someone's success.

to be an advocate for

Highlights actively promoting and defending someone or something.

to champion

Suggests boldly and publicly supporting a cause or person.

to give a boost

Implies providing assistance that helps someone improve or progress.

to foster

Suggests cultivating and promoting growth or development through support.

to nurture

Emphasizes providing care and support to help someone or something thrive.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be supportive" to describe actions aimed at helping or encouraging someone. For instance, "It's important "to be supportive" of your friends during difficult times".

What are some alternatives to "to be supportive"?

Alternatives include "to lend support", "to offer encouragement", or "to stand by someone", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who or what you are being supportive of?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the object of your support clarifies your intent and makes your statement more meaningful. Instead of saying "I want "to be supportive"", consider saying "I want "to be supportive" of your career goals".

What's the difference between "to be supportive" and "to support"?

"To support" is a more direct verb form, while "to be supportive" describes the state or intention of providing support. You "support" a cause, but you aim "to be supportive" of a person.