Grammar fix
prop up
support artificially (especially financially or structurally, often to prevent failure)
To give support to something (such as a business, economy, or person) so that it does not fail, especially when it would not survive on its own.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- The government had to prop up several banks during the financial crisis to prevent them from collapsing.work
- In my opinion, it's not sustainable for governments to continually prop up failing industries, as it can prevent necessary changes and innovation.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: prop up + noun
WrongThe loan propped the company.
RightThe loan propped up the company.
It needs 'up' — 'prop up'.
Patternprop up + noun
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Provide artificial financial support' is wordy; 'prop up' carries the 'wouldn't survive alone' sense in two words.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
prop upprop upprop up the economyartificiallyshore up
Don't confuse it
Unlike the basic, physical sense of 'prop up' (e.g., propping up a door with a stick), this sense is figurative and refers to supporting something (like a company, economy, or person) that is struggling.