I live by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I live by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a principle, belief, or rule that guides your life or actions. Example: "I live by the motto that honesty is the best policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I live by the moment.

The New Yorker

I live by myself.

The Guardian

I live by it".

The New York Times - Sports

"I live by the day.

The Guardian

I live by a bit of teaching.

The Guardian

"I live by the Ten Commandments.

The New York Times

I live by myself in London.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's not something I live by".

The New York Times - Sports

I live by the "Aloha spirit".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I live by my decision to make Hollywood films.

The New Yorker

I live by myself in an apartment in Gramercy Park.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I live by" to clearly state your guiding principles or beliefs. This helps establish your values and provides insight into your decision-making process.

Common error

Avoid using "I live by" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "I adhere to" or "I am guided by" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I live by" primarily functions as a declarative statement used to express adherence to a specific principle, belief, or guideline. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to convey a personal philosophy or standard of conduct, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Lifestyle

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I live by" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey adherence to a principle, belief, or motto. As shown by Ludwig, its presence across diverse sources such as news media, lifestyle publications, and business articles indicates broad applicability. The phrase is typically used to communicate personal values and guiding principles, offering insight into one's decision-making and behavior. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "I adhere to" to maintain writing clarity and engagement. According to Ludwig AI, this expression effectively communicates personal philosophy and standards of conduct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My motto is

Indicates a personal slogan or guiding principle.

I am guided by

Focuses on the influence of a principle or value on one's decisions.

I adhere to

Emphasizes sticking to a set of rules or principles.

I follow

Highlights the act of observing or obeying a guideline.

I am governed by

Suggests a strong and consistent control exerted by a principle.

I operate on the principle that

Highlights a specific belief used as a foundation for actions.

I take as my guide

Indicates something serves as a key reference or influence.

I swear by

Suggests a strong belief in the effectiveness or reliability of something.

I'm a believer in

Expresses a deep conviction or faith in a particular idea or approach.

I shape my life around

Indicates that a particular element or concept is the central organizing factor.

FAQs

How can I use "I live by" in a sentence?

You can use "I live by" to introduce a principle, belief, or motto that guides your actions. For example, "I live by the principle of treating others as you want to be treated".

What phrases are similar to "I live by"?

You can use alternatives like "I adhere to", "I am guided by", or "my motto is" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I live by" or "I live for"?

The choice depends on the context. "I live by" refers to principles that guide your behavior, while "I live for" expresses what gives your life meaning or passion.

What does it mean to "live by" something?

To "live by" something means to consistently follow or adhere to a particular principle, belief, or standard in your daily life.