I have sustained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have sustained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing experiences of enduring or maintaining something, often in a context of injury, hardship, or support. Example: "I have sustained injuries from the accident, but I am determined to recover fully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

With the injuries I have sustained I can't do that.

The Guardian

"I have sustained a continual Bombardment and cannonade for twenty-four hours and have not lost a man.

The New Yorker

"But I am also fully aware that the recovery from this type of injury I have sustained is filled with many peaks and valleys.

The New York Times - Sports

The ensuing years have been arduous for me, and I bear no small shame for the unholy means by which I have sustained myself for more than two centuries.

The New Yorker

After growing up in the Northwest, I have sustained a (slightly unhealthy) love of coffee.

Huffington Post

In my 29 years of life, I have sustained an irregular monthly cycle, one cervical cancer scare and an unwanted pregnancy that resulted in termination.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Luckily, I was physically unhurt and I had sustained no great loss.

The New York Times - Style

"I've sustained a vocal injury and been told I cannot sing for a week - seriously I felt something snap, it was very frightening," she said.

Independent

But, as I've sustained this kind of life over many years, I've become quite efficient, both technically and physically, at opening those holes in the rock and locating new water veins.

The New Yorker

But when the paramedics picked me up and sent me to the hospital, I found that the worst thing I had sustained was a hole in my memory, lasting about 20 minutes.

The New York Times - Science

He added on teamsky.com: "I'm going to fly home tonight and over the next few days I'll go for some more scans on my wrist to find out exactly what injuries I've sustained".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I have sustained" to indicate the continuation of something over time, such as a habit or a belief.

Common error

Avoid using "I have sustained" excessively in formal writing when simpler alternatives like "I experienced" or "I underwent" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly dramatic or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have sustained" functions as a statement of experience or condition. It typically conveys that the speaker has undergone, endured, or maintained something, often with implications of hardship or persistence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I have sustained" is a versatile expression used to describe enduring experiences, maintaining conditions, or undergoing hardships. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically sound and quite common. Its usage spans from describing injuries reported in news media to maintaining personal beliefs or habits. While generally neutral, it can appear formal depending on the context, with alternatives like "I have experienced" or "I have endured" offering simpler options. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what has been sustained and avoid overuse in overly formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have experienced

Focuses on the personal encounter of something, similar to sustaining an injury or condition.

I have undergone

Highlights the process of being subjected to something, often negative or impactful.

I have suffered

Emphasizes the negative impact and adversity faced, similar to sustaining damage.

I have endured

Stresses the ability to withstand hardship or difficulty.

I have maintained

Highlights the continuity of something over a period of time.

I have kept up

Focuses on the effort required to continue something.

I have supported

Indicates the provision of assistance to continue something.

I have upheld

Emphasizes the act of maintaining standards or principles.

I have preserved

Highlights the intention to prevent something from degradation or loss.

I have fostered

Indicates nurturing something to help it grow or develop.

FAQs

How can I use "I have sustained" in a sentence?

You can use "I have sustained" to describe injuries (e.g., "I have sustained injuries in the accident"), enduring hardship (e.g., "I have sustained myself through difficult times"), or maintaining something (e.g., "I have sustained a love of coffee").

What are some alternatives to "I have sustained"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "I have sustained" include "I have experienced", "I have undergone", "I have suffered", or "I have endured".

Is it correct to say "I have sustained an injury"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "I have sustained an injury". It is a common way to describe receiving an injury.

What is the difference between "I have sustained" and "I have retained"?

"I have sustained" typically refers to undergoing or experiencing something, often negative, such as an injury or loss. "I have retained", on the other hand, means that you have kept or preserved something, such as information or a skill.