backed by

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Supported or financed by a person, group or organization, which gives the project backing and often money.

   Grammar: Follows the thing being supported: a project backed by the government.

   Patterns

   • backed by someone
   • something backed by someone

   The new start-up is backed by several well-known investors.

   A plan backed by the mayor is more likely to pass.

   The band's tour was backed by a major record company.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Supported or proved by evidence, facts or proof, which makes a claim more convincing.

   Grammar: After a claim or argument: a claim backed by data.

   Patterns

   • backed by evidence
   • backed by facts

   Her argument was backed by years of research.

   Every statement in the report is backed by data.

   A theory backed by solid evidence is hard to dismiss.

3. 3phrasefixed phrase

   Having something at the back for protection or strength, such as a layer or a group of forces behind.

   Grammar: Describes a physical object: a rug backed by rubber.

   Patterns

   • backed by something

   The rug is backed by non-slip rubber.

   The singer stepped forward, backed by a full choir.

   The old painting was backed by a sheet of wood.

Common combinations

backed by evidence

A conclusion backed by evidence carries more weight.

backed by investors

The firm is backed by wealthy investors.

backed by the government

The scheme is backed by the government and local councils.

backed up by facts

His speech was backed up by facts and figures.

well backed by

The team was well backed by loyal fans.

Synonyms and how they differ

supported by

Supported by is the most general; backed by often implies that money or strong evidence stands behind something.

funded by

Funded by is narrower and always means money, while backed by can also mean approval or evidence.

endorsed by

Endorsed by means publicly approved by someone, which is more formal than backed by and does not require money.

sponsored by

Sponsored by implies a company pays for an event in return for publicity.

Opposites

Word family

back verb

to support or give money to someone or something

backer noun

a person or organization that supports something financially

backing noun

support, especially financial or practical

backup noun

extra support or a spare copy

Commonly confused: backed by or backed up by?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “backed by”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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