What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ballast
Example
The ship was loaded with ballast to ensure stability during rough seas. [ballast: noun]
Example
Adding more weight to the base of the lamp acted as a ballast, preventing it from tipping over. [ballast: metaphorical]
support
Example
The columns support the weight of the building. [support: verb]
Example
She received a lot of support from her friends during a difficult time. [support: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Support is more commonly used than ballast in everyday language. Support is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while ballast is more specific and less commonly used outside of certain industries or technical discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ballast and support?
Both ballast and support can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, ballast is more commonly associated with technical or specialized discussions, while support is more widely used in everyday conversations.
