1
Core relationship
As evidence, reasoning, or advocacy favouring a claim, proposal, or position.
Example
The authors cite three experiments in support of the hypothesis.
in support of
/ɪn səˈpɔːt əv/ · in suh-PORT uvevidence phrase
As evidence, reasoning, or advocacy favouring a claim, proposal, or position.
Use in support of to express this relationship precisely: as evidence, reasoning, or advocacy favouring a claim, proposal, or position.
What in support of Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Noun-phrase frame
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Residents submitted a petition in support of the proposed park.
3
Analytical use
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
In support of their interpretation, the researchers identify the same pigment in both fragments.
Use in support of Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The authors cite three experiments in support of the hypothesis.
Residents submitted a petition in support of the proposed park.
In support of their interpretation, the researchers identify the same pigment in both fragments.
Precision Matters
In support of overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
in support of
vs.Means as evidence, reasoning, or advocacy favouring a claim, proposal, or position.
lend support to
Means provide evidence or reasoning that makes a claim more credible without necessarily proving it.
in support of
vs.Means as evidence, reasoning, or advocacy favouring a claim, proposal, or position.
bear out
Means confirm or support a claim through evidence or experience.
in support of
vs.Means as evidence, reasoning, or advocacy favouring a claim, proposal, or position.
corroborate
Means confirm or support a statement with additional evidence.
in support of
vs.Means as evidence, reasoning, or advocacy favouring a claim, proposal, or position.
substantiate
Means to support or establish a claim with evidence.
Test in support of in Context
The letters are offered as evidence favouring the claim.
1
The article presents newly dated letters ___ its claim that the novel was revised in 1912.