Pluralizing the noun support

Is it ever okay to pluralize the noun "support"? When talking about several support systems, for example, is it okay to say that people "need supports"? If not, why not? Thank you!

Solution 1:

The word support can be a noun, verb or adjective. The adjective usage is never pluralized:

This support system is weak.

The verb usage can be pluralized depending on the subject:

I can support your weight.

That pylon supports the entire base.

The noun usage can be pluralized but only when it describes "something that serves as a foundation, prop, brace, or stay":

The supports for this building were completed yesterday.

My spouse is behind on child support.

If your computer is broken, call tech support.

In your particular example, it is impossible to tell if you are referring to supports as in foundations or braces. The easy test is to refer to a specific number of supports:

John needs 3 supports.

This obviously makes no sense when referring to tech support but does when referring to foundations or braces:

John needs 3 tech supports.

John needs 3 supports to finish the building.