who backed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "who backed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals or entities that supported or financed a project, initiative, or person. Example: "The documentary was a success, thanks to the influential producers who backed it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who backed such a group?

The New York Times

Who backed Saddam against Iran?

The Guardian

Those who backed Proposition 8 were elated.

The New York Times

"I had an employer who backed me to the hilt.

The New York Times

One of those who backed the proposal was Graham Stringer.

The Guardian - Sport

Who backed Roth in the construction of this singular structure?

The New York Times

Those who backed conservation were ousted by demonstrations by fishermen and their allies.

The Economist

Mr Putin, who backed Mr Yanukovich, this week decried Mr Yushchenko's tactics.

The Economist

The (Greek-Cypriot) president, Nicos Anastasiades, who backed the Annan plan, is eager for a deal.

The Economist

The Moldovan police went directly to the FBI, who backed up their operations.

Independent

Today, the college student who backed the Vietnam War is, at 61, the hawkish presidential candidate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required for your writing. While "who backed" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "who endorsed" or "who sponsored".

Common error

Avoid using "who backed" in overly passive constructions that obscure the active supporter. Instead of saying "The project was backed by someone who...", directly state "Someone who backed the project...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "who backed" typically functions as a relative clause modifying a noun, identifying the individuals or entities that provided support. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "who backed" is a versatile and commonly used construction to identify supporters or endorsers, as supported by Ludwig AI. It functions as a relative clause and is suitable for neutral and professional contexts. While direct and clear, considering alternatives like "who supported" or "who endorsed" can enhance precision depending on the specific nuance required. Remember to avoid passive constructions to keep your writing concise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

who supported

Uses a synonym for "backed", maintaining the core meaning of providing assistance or approval.

who endorsed

Implies a more formal or public declaration of support.

who stood by

Indicates unwavering support, especially during difficult times.

who sponsored

Suggests financial support or official approval for an event or project.

who championed

Indicates active and vocal support, often in a leadership role.

who financed

Specifically refers to providing monetary resources.

who advocated for

Highlights public promotion and defense of a cause or person.

who upheld

Emphasizes maintaining or defending a decision or principle.

who promoted

Suggests active efforts to encourage or popularize something.

who assisted

Focuses on providing help or aid, which may or may not include direct support.

FAQs

What does "who backed" mean?

The phrase "who backed" refers to individuals or entities that supported, endorsed, or financed a person, project, or idea. It implies providing assistance, approval, or resources.

How can I use "who backed" in a sentence?

You can use "who backed" to identify the supporters of something. For example, "The investors "who backed" the startup saw significant returns."

What are some alternatives to "who backed"?

Alternatives include "who supported", "who endorsed", "who sponsored", or "who financed", depending on the specific type of support provided.

Is "who backed" formal or informal?

"Who backed" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider using "who endorsed" or "who sponsored".