support on or with

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Used when saying what holds something up or what evidence a claim rests on.

   Grammar: Follow "support" with "on" plus a noun: the thing bearing weight or carrying the proof.

   Patterns

   • support something on something
   • support a claim on evidence
   • be supported on poles

   The whole roof is supported on four thick wooden posts.

   She supported her argument on figures from the last census.

   The bridge is supported on stone pillars at each end.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Used when naming the tool, money, or kind of help that makes something possible.

   Grammar: Follow "support" with "with" plus a noun: the means or resource used.

   Patterns

   • support something with something
   • support yourself with a job
   • support a family with one income

   He supports his family with a small salary from the factory.

   The school supports its new readers with extra lessons after class.

   They supported the campaign with money and free office space.

3. 3phrasefixed phrase

   Used when saying which people someone gives help, comfort, or money to.

   Grammar: Here "with" introduces the person or group receiving help, not the means used.

   Patterns

   • support someone with something
   • help someone with a problem

   Volunteers support older residents with their shopping and bills.

   Her teacher supported her with the application forms.

   The charity supports patients with free rides to the hospital.

Common combinations

support a claim on evidence

You cannot support a claim on evidence you have not checked.

support yourself with part-time work

During college she supported herself with part-time work.

be supported on stilts

The house is supported on stilts because of the floods.

support someone with a task

Could you support him with the heavy lifting?

support a theory with data

The team supported its theory with data from three studies.

Synonyms and how they differ

back up

Use this phrasal verb for proof or extra help; it sounds more informal than "support with".

hold up

This means to carry weight physically, so it fits "support on" but not money or encouragement.

assist

This is a more formal verb for giving help to a person, and it takes "with" the same way.

Word family

support verb

to hold up, help, or argue in favor of something

support noun

help, encouragement, or the thing that holds something up

supporter noun

a person who backs a team, idea, or group

supportive adjective

giving help and encouragement to others

Commonly confused: support on or with or support of?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “support on or with”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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