What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
supporting
Example
I am supporting my friend in her decision to go back to school. [supporting: verb]
Example
The bridge needs supporting beams to prevent it from collapsing. [supporting: adjective]
Example
The senator is supporting the new bill to improve healthcare. [supporting: present participle]
backing
Example
The company provided backing for the new startup. [backing: noun]
Example
The manager is backing the new marketing campaign. [backing: verb]
Example
The athlete has the backing of his team and fans. [backing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Supporting is more commonly used than backing in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and types of support. However, backing may be more commonly used in business or financial contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between supporting and backing?
Backing may be considered more formal or business-oriented than supporting, as it often implies a larger scale of support and may be used in professional settings. However, both words can be used in various levels of formality depending on the context.
