to build support for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to build support for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing efforts to gain backing or approval for a project, idea, or initiative. Example: "The organization is working hard to build support for its new environmental policy among local communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Europe's governments have failed to build support for EMU.

The Economist

We are now working to build support for that deal".

The New Yorker

"We're trying to build support for the provision".

The New York Times

Some accused Mr. Morsi's enemies of interfering with supplies to build support for the protests.

The New York Times

Udall has spent much of the past year trying to build support for the idea.

The New Yorker

And the president must do more to build support for multilateral enforcement, including possible military action.

The New York Times

Feffer notes that it will take time to build support for a still-fledgling franchise.

The New York Times

He was to build support for the company and meet with political leaders on its behalf.

The New York Times

In recent weeks the NSA has sought to build support for its surveillance powers.

The Guardian

It is much easier to build support for the welfare state when taxpayers identify with beneficiaries.

The New York Times

Conservative groups vowed to mount a grass-roots effort to build support for Mr. Ashcroft.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to build support for", clearly identify the target audience you are trying to reach. Tailor your message to resonate with their specific needs and concerns.

Common error

Avoid claiming broad support prematurely. Instead of saying "there's widespread support for", provide concrete evidence of the support you're building, such as endorsements or participation rates.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to build support for" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically introduces the purpose of an action. It indicates the reason why someone is doing something, which is to increase backing or approval for a specific cause or idea. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to build support for" is a versatile and commonly used construction to indicate the purpose of actively seeking endorsement or approval. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and readily applicable across various writing styles. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its usage extends to formal business settings and academic discussions. While semantically similar alternatives such as "to garner backing for" or "to cultivate approval for" exist, the core meaning remains consistent: the intentional creation of a support base. When employing this phrase, emphasize clarity and avoid overstating existing support to maintain credibility. The ubiquity and adaptability of "to build support for" establish it as a key tool for communicating strategic intent in diverse professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to garner backing for

Replaces "build support" with "garner backing", focusing on obtaining support.

to win backing for

Changes "build support" to "win backing", focusing on securing support.

to cultivate approval for

Substitutes "build support" with "cultivate approval", emphasizing a gradual development of approval.

to secure endorsement for

Replaces "build support" with "secure endorsement", emphasizing the act of obtaining endorsement.

to foster endorsement of

Changes "build support" to "foster endorsement", highlighting the encouragement of endorsement.

to generate enthusiasm for

Replaces "build support" with "generate enthusiasm", focusing on creating positive feelings.

to promote acceptance of

Substitutes "build support" with "promote acceptance", stressing the encouragement of acceptance.

to rally advocacy for

Changes "build support" to "rally advocacy", highlighting the mobilization of advocacy efforts.

to create momentum for

Replaces "build support" with "create momentum", focusing on generating forward progress.

to encourage advocacy of

Substitutes "build support" with "encourage advocacy", highlighting the encouragement of advocacy.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "to build support for" in a sentence?

Use "to build support for" when you want to explain the actions taken to gain acceptance or approval for a specific idea, project, or cause. For example, "The campaign aims to "to build support for" the new environmental regulations."

What are some alternatives to "to build support for"?

You can use alternatives such as "to garner backing for", "to cultivate approval for", or "to foster endorsement of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "build support for" or "gain support for"?

Both "build support for" and "gain support for" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Build support for" implies an active process of creating and expanding support, while "gain support for" suggests acquiring existing support.

What does it mean to "build support for" something?

To "build support for" something means to actively work to increase the level of approval, acceptance, or endorsement for that thing among a particular group or the general public. This often involves communication, persuasion, and outreach efforts.