How to Tell Someone You Support Them in English [Updated]

Everyone needs help sometimes. If a friend or family member is going through a difficult situation, there are several things you can say to show your support. And if co-workers need help with a project, there are also phrases appropriate for business environments.

Some phrases are best for offering help with a physical activity, while others are for offering emotional support. This article will explain and demonstrate examples of each type so you can use them yourself naturally.

Phrases for Offering Emotional Support

“I’m in your corner.”

Before every round in a boxing match, each fighter goes to their special corner of the ring to get advice from their coach. Over time, even non-fighters began using this expression to refer to help and support.

I'm in your corner, so don't hesitate to call me for help.

I felt better knowing my friends were in my corner.

“I’m with you.”

This is a short and simple way to tell someone they have your support.

We know you're dealing with a difficult situation now, but we're all with you.

Another version of this phrase is "I'm on your side."

I don't care what anyone else says; I'm on your side.

“I’m here for you.”

This phrase means someone can come to you for emotional help.

If you want to talk about it, I'm here for you.

You can emphasize this phrase by adding "always."

I'm always here for you, so call me whenever you need me.

There are variations of this expression; for example, you can also say, "I'm here if you want to talk" or "I'm here if you just need someone to listen."

A shoulder to lean/cry on

Sometimes there isn't much you can do to help a loved one in a tough situation. In these cases, simply listening to them or letting them know that it's OK to cry is enough. 

I'm here if you need a shoulder to lean on.

Can we meet? I really just need a shoulder to cry on.

This expression is similar to "lean on me," which is the title of a famous song by soul musician Bill Withers. Naturally, it's about someone offering help to a friend.

Related article: Topic Focus: English Songs

“Do you want to talk about it?”

People sometimes hesitate to tell friends about problems. You can use this phrase to let them know that they can talk to you if they want to.

I heard about what happened. Do you want to talk about it?

“I’ll support you.”

You can say this when your friend has a difficult decision to make or a big challenge to face. Although it's a simple phrase, sometimes the simplest expressions are the strongest!

We'll support you in any way we can.

You can strengthen this phrase by adding "no matter what," which means "in any situation."

It doesn't matter what you decide — I'll support you no matter what.

General Phrases for Support

“You can count on me.”

"Counting on" someone means relying on them, or trusting that they will help you when you need them.

This is a casual expression, so it's best used with people you have a close relationship with. It's suitable for both emotional and practical support.

If you feel like you can't handle it alone, you can count on me.

You can also use it in a question, as in the example below.

Can I count on you for help with this project?

“What can I do to help?”

One good way to show support is to simply ask your friend or colleague how you can help them. This is useful when you don't know what they need. It can be used in personal and professional situations.

I know you must be going through a hard time now, so please tell me what I can do to help.

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“I’ve got your back.”

This is a slang phrase related to "backing someone up." In both cases, imagine one person standing behind another, ready to offer help or to catch them if they fall.

I've got your back, so just tell me what you need.

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“My door is always open to you.”

This means that anytime someone needs your support, you'll be available to help them.

This phrase is often used in business situations. Imagine a person with a high rank allowing someone to enter their office anytime they need advice.

Please call me if you need help. My door is always open to you.

“You’ve got this.”

If you're watching a marathon, you can't enter the race and physically help the runners, but you can cheer for them from the side of the road. In that situation, you may yell, "You've got this!" — a shorter way of saying, "You've got this situation under control."

The nuance here is that the listener doesn't need help because they're able to succeed on their own. So instead of offering assistance, you're giving encouragement.

Wrap-up

Help can come in a variety of forms, and so can the ways you offer it to others. Whether with a co-worker or with a best friend, the other person will be happy to hear they can depend on you.

For even more positive English expressions, check out our article on 10 popular phrases of encouragement.

• idioms
• other ways to say