To lend support to
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Littéralement: To give or provide assistance to a specific point or person.
Use this phrase to connect evidence to a theory in a professional or logical way.
En 15 secondes
- Use it to show one fact proves another idea is true.
- Perfect for professional meetings, essays, and serious debates.
- It makes you sound intelligent, logical, and very well-spoken.
Signification
When you 'lend support to' something, you provide evidence or weight that makes an idea, theory, or argument seem more likely to be true.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a business meeting
The recent sales figures lend support to the marketing team's new strategy.
The sales numbers show that the marketing plan is actually working.
Discussing a mystery with a friend
The fact that he has a key definitely lends support to the idea that he's the culprit.
Him having a key makes it more likely that he did it.
Writing a university essay
This study lends support to the hypothesis that sleep affects memory retention.
The study proves that the theory about sleep and memory is likely correct.
Contexte culturel
The phrase draws from architectural metaphors where ideas are seen as physical structures. In English-speaking academic and legal traditions, providing 'support' is the fundamental way to establish truth. It became a staple of formal rhetoric during the Enlightenment when empirical evidence became the gold standard for truth.
The 'Lend' Secret
In English, we often use 'lend' for abstract things like 'lend a hand' or 'lend an ear.' It sounds more generous and sophisticated than 'give.'
Don't get physical
Remember, this is for ideas. If you are helping someone carry groceries, don't say you are 'lending support to the bags' unless you want to sound like a robot.
En 15 secondes
- Use it to show one fact proves another idea is true.
- Perfect for professional meetings, essays, and serious debates.
- It makes you sound intelligent, logical, and very well-spoken.
What It Means
Think of an idea as a wobbly table. When you lend support to it, you are adding a sturdy leg. You aren't just saying you like the idea. You are providing facts or reasons that make it stronger. It is about making a claim more believable. It is a very smart way to say 'this evidence helps that theory.'
How To Use It
You usually follow this phrase with a noun or a concept. You can say 'The data lends support to my theory.' It sounds polished and thoughtful. It is less about physical help and more about logical backing. Use it when one thing makes another thing look more credible.
When To Use It
Use this in a meeting when a colleague makes a great point. Use it in an essay to connect your research to your conclusion. It is perfect for debates or serious discussions. You can even use it when gossiping! 'His messy hair lends support to the idea that he woke up late.' It adds a layer of intellectual flair to your speech.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for physical lifting. If your friend is moving a couch, don't say you will lend support to the couch. Just say you'll help! Also, avoid it in very high-energy, slang-heavy environments. It might sound a bit too 'academic' for a loud party or a football game. Keep it for when you want to sound convincing.
Cultural Background
English speakers value 'evidence-based' logic. This phrase comes from the idea of architecture and structures. In Western debate culture, an argument is a 'build.' If you don't have support, your argument 'falls down.' It reflects a culture that loves to prove things with data and observation.
Common Variations
You might hear lend weight to or give credence to. They all mean roughly the same thing. Lend weight to is a bit more dramatic. It implies the evidence is very heavy and important. Lend support to is the most common and versatile version. It is the 'little black dress' of argumentative phrases.
Notes d'usage
This is a C2-level expression primarily used in formal writing, journalism, and professional debates. It conveys a sense of logical objectivity and is a great way to introduce evidence without sounding overly aggressive.
The 'Lend' Secret
In English, we often use 'lend' for abstract things like 'lend a hand' or 'lend an ear.' It sounds more generous and sophisticated than 'give.'
Don't get physical
Remember, this is for ideas. If you are helping someone carry groceries, don't say you are 'lending support to the bags' unless you want to sound like a robot.
The 'Understated' British Style
British speakers love this phrase because it sounds polite and indirect. Instead of saying 'You are right,' they might say 'The evidence lends support to your view.'
Exemples
6The recent sales figures lend support to the marketing team's new strategy.
The sales numbers show that the marketing plan is actually working.
Shows the speaker is using data to back up a colleague.
The fact that he has a key definitely lends support to the idea that he's the culprit.
Him having a key makes it more likely that he did it.
Used here to build a logical case in a casual mystery.
This study lends support to the hypothesis that sleep affects memory retention.
The study proves that the theory about sleep and memory is likely correct.
Classic academic usage to link evidence to a claim.
Her latest Instagram post kind of lends support to those breakup rumors, don't you think?
Her post makes the breakup rumors seem like they might be true.
A more relaxed, modern way to use the phrase in daily life.
The empty pizza box lends support to my theory that you didn't cook tonight.
The pizza box proves you didn't make dinner.
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation creates a funny contrast.
Your constant kindness lends support to the belief that people are inherently good.
Because you are kind, I believe more strongly that people are good.
Using formal logic to express a deep, heartfelt sentiment.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the professional argument.
The new archaeological findings ___ support to the theory of an ancient civilization.
While 'give' is okay, 'lend support to' is the standard idiomatic expression for this context.
Complete the sentence to sound more formal.
The witness's testimony ___ support to the defendant's alibi.
'Lends' is the specific verb used with 'support' in this rhetorical structure.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Lend Support To'
Backing someone up
I've got your back.
Proving a point
This proves my point.
Academic/Argumentative
This lends support to the claim.
Where to use 'Lend Support To'
Research Paper
Citing a source.
Courtroom
Presenting evidence.
Office Meeting
Validating a plan.
Debate
Strengthening an argument.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, 'lend' here doesn't mean you expect it back. It's an idiomatic way to say you are contributing something to a situation, like lend a hand.
Usually, you lend support to an *idea*, *theory*, or *argument*. If you support a person, you would just say I support him or I am lending him my support (which is more about emotional help).
Not exactly. 'Prove' is 100% certain. Lend support to means it makes the idea stronger, but maybe doesn't prove it completely yet.
It is a bit formal, but you can use it jokingly. For example, if a friend is always late, you could say 'This traffic lends support to my theory that you'll be late to your own wedding!'
You could say something undermines or calls into question an idea. These phrases suggest the evidence makes the idea look weaker.
Yes, but lend support to is a more common collocation in academic and professional English. It sounds more natural to native ears in those settings.
Usually, yes. It's typically an observation, a piece of data, or a specific event that lends support to a broader conclusion.
Yes, a famous person might lend their support to a charity. In this case, it means they are giving their name and reputation to help the cause.
The standard preposition is to. You lend support to a theory or a movement.
Just change 'lend' to 'lent.' For example: 'The discovery of the diary lent support to the historian's claims.'
Expressions liées
Bear out
To confirm or support a statement (e.g., 'The facts bear out his story').
Back up
To provide support or help (can be for people or ideas).
Corroborate
A very formal word meaning to confirm or give support to a statement or theory.
Bolster
To make something stronger or more confident.
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