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Usenet Posted 21 years ago
Usage

"I am supportive of . . ."

When describing their positive position on particular projects on their agenda, several of my local school board members will say "I am supportive of . . ." the program, project, etc.
To my non-native ears, "I am supportive of" does not sound right, particularly when "I support" does such a fine job at expressing the idea.
Your thoughts please.
By the way, this is the same school board whose spokesperson, who opens the radio broadcasts of its meetings, seems to have a bit of difficulty keeping subjects and verbs in agreement.


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Top answer

[nq:1]When describing their positive position on particular projects on their agenda, several of my local school board members will say ... does not sound right, particularly when "I support" does such a fine job at expressing the idea. [/nq] I quite agree.

— Usenet

  • [nq:1]When describing their positive position on particular projects on their agenda, several of my local school board members will say ...
  • does not sound right, particularly when "I support" does such a fine job at expressing the idea.
  • [/nq] I quite agree.
  • Unfortunately this verbal phrase seems to be becoming ever more prevalent.
  • Not only is it unnecessary, being a passive construction it's not as strong.
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6 Answers
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[nq:1]When describing their positive position on particular projects on their agenda, several of my local school board members will say ... does not sound right, particularly when "I support" does such a fine job at expressing the idea. Your thoughts please.[/nq]
I quite agree.
Unfortunately this verbal phrase seems to be becoming ever more prevalent. Not only is it unnecessary, being a pa
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[nq:1]When describing their positive position on particular projects on their agenda, several of my local school board members will say ... does not sound right, particularly when "I support" does such a fine job at expressing the idea. Your thoughts please.[/nq]
I don't find the phrasing wrong. It's one of those expressions that implies a sense that is not stated. "I am supportive of the prog
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[nq:1]When describing their positive position on particular projects on their agenda, several of my local school board members will say ... opens the radio broadcasts of its meetings, seems to have a bit of difficulty keeping subjects and verbs in agreement.[/nq]
I think there is a difference: "You have my support" or "I support this project"suggests commitment and willingness to act; "be supp
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[nq:2]When describing their positive position on particular projects on their ... a fine job at expressing the idea. Your thoughts please.[/nq]
[nq:1]I don't find the phrasing wrong. It's one of those expressions that implies a sense that is not stated. "I ... program. You can almost hear the "but" coming: "I'm supportive of the program, but I think we should change the..".[/nq]
In other w
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[nq:2]When describing their positive position on particular projects on their ... a fine job at expressing the idea. Your thoughts please.[/nq]
[nq:1]I quite agree. Unfortunately this verbal phrase[/nq]
Most phrases are verbal.
[nq:1]seems to be becoming ever more prevalent. Not only is it unnecessary, being a passive construction it's not as strong.[/nq]
Not literally passive. Cop
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[nq:2]When describing their positive position on particular projects on their ... a bit of difficulty keeping subjects and verbs in agreement.[/nq]
[nq:1]I think there is a difference: "You have my support" or "I support this project"suggests commitment and willingness to act; ... with you"; the other says "That seems very sensible and I have no objection in principle to your going ahead".[/nq
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