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Verb + preposition

How to use “support”

Support can be a verb or noun. As a verb, it often takes a direct object. “Support for” is common with the noun form.

Quick answer

“Support for” and “supported by” have different roles

Use “support” directly with an object as a verb: “They support the proposal.” Use “support for” with the noun form: “There is strong support for the proposal.” Use “supported by” in passive voice.

Many employees support the plan.
There is broad support for the new policy.
The campaign was supported by local businesses.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
support + object

Backing an idea or person

As a verb, “support” usually takes a direct object.

Residents support the new library.
2
support for + noun

Using the noun form

Use “support for” when “support” is a noun.

There is growing support for renewable energy.
3
supported by + source

Passive verb form

Use “by” in passive voice to show who gives support.

The initiative was supported by several charities.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
support + object
They support the candidate.
Standard verb pattern.
support for
Public support for the project is increasing.
Standard noun pattern.
supported by
The research was supported by a grant.
Passive verb structure showing the source of support.
support by
“Support by” is not a normal active verb pattern.
Use “supported by” in passive voice instead.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “support for” as a verb pattern

After the verb “support,” use a direct object.

✕ They support for the proposal. ✓ They support the proposal.

Using “support by” actively

Use passive “supported by” instead.

✕ The group supports by volunteers. ✓ The group is supported by volunteers.

Confusing noun and verb uses

Choose the structure based on whether “support” is a noun or verb.

✕ There is support the plan. ✓ There is support for the plan.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Many voters support ___ candidate.
2. There is strong support ___ the proposal.
3. The project was supported ___ international donors.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “support for” correct?

Yes, especially when “support” is used as a noun.

Can “support” be used without a preposition?

Yes. As a verb, it usually takes a direct object: “I support the idea.”

Is “support by” correct?

Only in passive structures such as “supported by.”

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