B1 Collocation Neutral 2 min de lectura

emotional support

Psychological help

Use this to describe giving or receiving kindness and comfort during a difficult or stressful time.

En 15 segundos

  • Providing comfort and empathy to someone in distress.
  • Being a good listener and offering a safe space.
  • Often used humorously to describe comfort objects like water bottles.

Significado

This phrase describes giving someone comfort, listening to their problems, and making them feel less alone. It is about helping someone's heart and mind rather than fixing a physical problem.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

After a bad day at work

I really needed some emotional support after my boss yelled at me.

I really needed some psychological help/comfort after my boss yelled at me.

💭
2

Talking about a pet

My dog is basically my emotional support animal.

My dog is basically my psychological support animal.

🤝
3

Texting a friend before a date

Can you text me tonight for some emotional support? I'm so nervous!

Can you text me tonight for some comfort? I'm so nervous!

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

The phrase has shifted from clinical psychology into everyday slang. It gained massive popularity with the rise of 'emotional support animals' on airplanes. Today, it is often used humorously to describe objects that bring us comfort, like a favorite sweater or a specific water bottle.

💡

The 'Listen' Rule

The best way to provide emotional support is often just to listen without trying to fix the problem immediately.

💬

The Meme Culture

If you hear someone call a random object their 'emotional support [thing]', they are being funny! It means that object makes them feel safe.

En 15 segundos

  • Providing comfort and empathy to someone in distress.
  • Being a good listener and offering a safe space.
  • Often used humorously to describe comfort objects like water bottles.

What It Means

Emotional support is the act of showing care and empathy. It means being there for someone when they are sad or stressed. You aren't giving them money or fixing their car. You are giving them your time and your ears. It is about making someone feel understood and safe. Think of it as a hug for someone's feelings.

How To Use It

You can use this as a noun. You often provide, give, or need emotional support. It is very common to talk about emotional support animals too. In a sentence, you might say, "I'm so glad you're here for emotional support." It works when you are the one helping or the one being helped. It's a very flexible and kind phrase.

When To Use It

Use it when a friend goes through a breakup. Use it when a coworker is stressed about a big presentation. It is perfect for deep conversations about mental health. You can even use it when you're nervous at a party. "I brought my best friend for emotional support" is a common thing to say. It shows you value the person's presence.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it for physical tasks. If someone helps you move a heavy sofa, that is manual labor, not emotional support. Avoid using it in very cold, transactional business deals. It might sound too personal if you just met someone. Also, don't confuse it with professional therapy. While related, emotional support is usually what friends and family provide.

Cultural Background

In many English-speaking cultures, talking about feelings has become much more common. In the past, people were told to have a "stiff upper lip." Now, asking for emotional support is seen as healthy. The phrase became a huge meme because of emotional support animals. Now, people joke about their emotional support water bottle or emotional support iced coffee.

Common Variations

You might hear people say they are leaning on someone. Or they might say they need a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes people just say they need someone to be there for them. In modern slang, people call their favorite things emotional support items. This adds a bit of humor to a serious topic.

Notas de uso

The phrase is very safe to use in almost any context. Just remember that in modern slang, it is often used ironically for inanimate objects.

💡

The 'Listen' Rule

The best way to provide emotional support is often just to listen without trying to fix the problem immediately.

💬

The Meme Culture

If you hear someone call a random object their 'emotional support [thing]', they are being funny! It means that object makes them feel safe.

⚠️

Support vs. Therapy

While friends give emotional support, 'therapy' or 'counseling' is the word for professional medical help.

Ejemplos

6
#1 After a bad day at work
💭

I really needed some emotional support after my boss yelled at me.

I really needed some psychological help/comfort after my boss yelled at me.

Shows the need for comfort after a stressful event.

#2 Talking about a pet
🤝

My dog is basically my emotional support animal.

My dog is basically my psychological support animal.

A very common way to describe the bond with a pet.

#3 Texting a friend before a date
😊

Can you text me tonight for some emotional support? I'm so nervous!

Can you text me tonight for some comfort? I'm so nervous!

Asking for encouragement in a casual way.

#4 A humorous social media post
😄

I can't go anywhere without my emotional support water bottle.

I can't go anywhere without my comfort water bottle.

A popular modern joke about comfort objects.

#5 A formal HR meeting
💼

The company provides emotional support resources for employees facing burnout.

The company provides psychological help resources for employees facing burnout.

Used in a professional setting regarding mental health.

#6 Thanking a partner
💭

Thank you for all the emotional support you gave me during finals week.

Thank you for all the comfort you gave me during finals week.

Expressing gratitude for someone being there for you.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the correct word to complete the phrase.

When Sarah lost her job, her friends provided a lot of ___ support.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: emotional

Friends providing comfort and listening is specifically called 'emotional support'.

Complete the modern humorous expression.

I never leave the house without my emotional ___ iced coffee.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: support

The specific collocation used for comfort objects is 'emotional support'.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'Emotional Support'

Informal

Used as a joke about objects (water bottles, snacks).

My emotional support taco.

Neutral

Standard use between friends and family.

I need some emotional support.

Formal

Used in medical or workplace environments.

Requesting an emotional support animal.

When to offer Emotional Support

Emotional Support
🖤

Grief

Attending a funeral with a friend.

📚

Stress

Listening to a stressed student.

🎉

Success

Cheering for someone's big win.

✈️

Anxiety

Holding someone's hand during a flight.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It means providing comfort, empathy, and encouragement to someone. For example, I gave her emotional support during the divorce means you were there for her feelings.

Yes, physical support is helping with tasks like lifting boxes. Emotional support is about the mind and heart.

Yes, it is common in HR contexts. You might say, We offer emotional support for staff dealing with stress.

It is a pet that a doctor says helps a person feel better. People often take their emotional support dogs on planes or into stores.

It is neutral. You can use it with your best friend or your doctor without it feeling out of place.

You can say, I'm here for emotional support if you need to talk. It's a very kind offer.

It is a joke! It means the person carries their water bottle everywhere because it makes them feel comfortable and prepared.

You can, but psychological support sounds much more medical and cold. Emotional support sounds warmer.

Yes, you must use the adjective emotional. Saying emotion support is grammatically incorrect.

Not at all! Sometimes it's just sitting in silence with someone or giving them a high-five when they are nervous.

Frases relacionadas

Moral support

A shoulder to cry on

To be there for someone

To lean on someone

Lending an ear

¿Te ha servido?
¡No hay comentarios todavía. Sé el primero en compartir tus ideas!

Empieza a aprender idiomas gratis

Empieza Gratis