to enlist support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to enlist support" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of seeking or obtaining assistance or backing from others for a cause, project, or initiative. Example: "The organization aims to enlist support from the community to fund the new educational program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

He worked hard to enlist support from establishment political players, while obtaining important municipal union endorsements.

The New York Times

Higgins was able to enlist support, in part, because he frankly acknowledged his amateur status.

The New Yorker

Upon arrival at Calcutta, Judson went on to Burma, while Rice returned home to enlist support among American Baptists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Israel Democracy Institute, a nonpartisan group, called Wednesday for a public campaign to enlist support for change.

The New York Times

Fayṣal, son of the grand sharīf of Mecca, made secret visits there to enlist support for the Arab Revolt begun by his father in 1916.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Companies and business groups send agents to local and national capitals and use such vehicles as advertising to enlist support for policies that they favour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

He said the $25 million in reward money had contributed to enlisting support.

The New York Times

But the Democrats are hardly naifs when it comes to enlisting support from special interests in Washington and elsewhere, from corporate leaders and from unions in the public and private sectors.

The New York Times

With the pro bono help of a lobbying firm, Gordon, Berns, and Audrey Gordon visited members of Congress from Massachusetts and Rhode Island to enlist their support in funding progeria research.

Science Magazine

American opponents of sanctions had hoped to enlist his support.

The New York Times

You could talk to your local councillors and try to enlist their support.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to enlist support", clearly state what specific type of support you are seeking (e.g. financial backing, political endorsement, volunteer work).

Common error

Avoid using "to enlist support" without specifying the purpose or goal. Be clear about what the support is for to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'The campaign aimed to enlist support', specify 'The campaign aimed to enlist support for the new environmental policy'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to enlist support" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial of purpose. It modifies a verb by explaining the reason or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to enlist support" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express the purpose of gaining assistance or backing from others. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts including news, encyclopedias, and science, with a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, it's essential to specify the type of support needed to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "to gather support" or "to seek assistance" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. It is worth nothing that "to enlist support" is not suited for informal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to garner backing

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes obtaining explicit approval or endorsement.

to secure endorsement

This phrase highlights the act of getting official approval or permission.

to obtain assistance

This phrase focuses on getting help or aid, not necessarily endorsement.

to solicit backing

This phrase is more formal and means to ask for backing.

to rally encouragement

This phrase is more emotive and suggests inspiring people to offer their support.

to win over assistance

This phrase suggests persuading or convincing someone to provide support.

to seek cooperation

This phrase emphasizes collaboration and working together towards a common goal.

to drum up assistance

This phrase implies actively and enthusiastically seeking to gain support.

to court favor

This phrase indicates attempting to win approval or support, often through flattery or charm.

to foster allegiance

This phrase suggests an alliance or a bond between parties.

FAQs

How can I use "to enlist support" in a sentence?

You can use "to enlist support" when you want to express the action of gaining assistance or backing from others. For instance, 'The organization aims "to enlist support" from the community to fund the new educational program'.

What are some alternatives to "to enlist support"?

Some alternatives include "to gather support", "to seek assistance", or "to secure endorsement" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "to enlist support" or "to gain support"?

Both "to enlist support" and "to gain support" are correct and usable. "To enlist support" often implies a more active or strategic effort to obtain assistance, while "to gain support" may suggest a more passive or gradual accumulation of assistance.

What does "to enlist support" mean?

The phrase "to enlist support" means to actively seek and obtain assistance, backing, or endorsement from others for a particular cause, project, or initiative.