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.
In my opinion, it's not sustainable for governments to continually prop up failing industries, as it can prevent necessary changes and innovation.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The loan propped the company.
Say: The loan propped up the company.
It needs 'up' — 'prop up'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'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 up
- prop up
- prop up the economy
- artificially
- shore up