to support himself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to support himself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability to provide for their own needs or financial stability. Example: "After losing his job, he had to find new ways to support himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He needed to support himself.

The Guardian - Sport

He is trying to support himself.

The Guardian - Arts

He needed odd jobs to support himself.

The New York Times - Arts

Lopez continued to support himself through stand-up appearances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Suddenly, he had to support himself as a coffee farmer.

The New York Times

To support himself, though, he also began writing chess books.

The New York Times

To support himself, he worked in a bookstore in Manhattan.

The New York Times - Books

He too must have found a way to support himself by way of religion.

Harvard University

More happenstance: To support himself, Axel found a job washing glassware in a medical lab.

Columbia University

But he managed to earn enough to support himself, buy a van and raise a family.

The New York Times

In the corner, Robert splayed his legs to support himself between the two walls.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to support himself", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to financial, emotional, or other forms of self-sufficiency. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a way that implies someone else is providing the support, when the intended meaning is self-support. For example, instead of saying 'He was supported', specify 'He worked hard "to support himself".'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to support himself" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to indicate the purpose or reason behind an action. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it describes the act of providing for one's own needs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to support himself" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that effectively conveys the concept of self-sufficiency. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread applicability across various contexts, with primary usage in News & Media and Academic writing. As Ludwig AI also points out, the phrase indicates the purpose or reason behind an action. Remember to be precise in your writing to avoid ambiguity, and consider alternative phrases like "to provide for himself" or "to sustain himself" for nuanced meanings. Avoiding passive voice and using this phrase effectively will enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to provide for himself

Focuses on the action of providing, emphasizing the act of supplying what is needed.

to sustain himself

Highlights the ability to maintain oneself over time, emphasizing long-term support.

to make a living

Emphasizes earning enough money to cover basic expenses and needs.

to be self-sufficient

Focuses on independence and not relying on others for support.

to earn his keep

Implies that one is providing value in exchange for resources or support.

to finance his life

Highlights the financial aspect of covering expenses and living costs.

to pay his own way

Implies that one is covering their own expenses without assistance.

to be independent financially

Emphasizes the state of not being dependent on others for financial support.

to stand on his own two feet

Focuses on being capable and responsible for one's own well-being and finances.

to look after his needs

Broader than just financial support, encompassing all aspects of self-care.

FAQs

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

You can use "to support himself" to describe actions taken to earn a living. For example, "He worked two jobs "to support himself" while attending college."

What are some alternatives to saying "to support himself"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to provide for himself", "to sustain himself", or "to make a living".

What's the difference between "to support himself" and "to provide for himself"?

"To support himself" generally refers to maintaining a certain standard of living, while "to provide for himself" often emphasizes ensuring basic needs are met.

Is it correct to say "support himself" without the "to"?

While grammatically acceptable in some contexts (e.g., "He must support himself"), using the infinitive form "to support himself" is generally more common and versatile in writing.