I need sustenance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I need sustenance" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a need for food or nourishment, often in a formal or humorous context. Example: "After hours of hiking, I realized I need sustenance to keep going." Alternative expressions include "I need food" and "I require nourishment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I needed sustenance, and I found it at the Elk & Oarsman, a pub with a wood-beamed ceiling where everyone seems to gather.

The New York Times - Travel

I struck up a conversation with a Korvax only to discover it needed sustenance and I had nothing to offer, at which I was told that the creature had died and a new consciousness been downloaded into its body, and that I had gone down in the estimations of the entire Korvax race.

The Guardian - Tech

In London, Sara recommends the branch on Charing Cross Road: "there is a fabulous Italian cake shop only a few doors down and after perusing their huge stock I invariably need sustenance".

Independent

Need sustenance on the Leas seafront promenade?

The Guardian - Travel

It is not that they need sustenance at different times to we adults.

Independent

There is an admirable mission at play: reassuring those who cry, who hurt, who need sustenance.

The New Yorker

With all those hills, you need sustenance Accommodations My hotel, the Galleria Park, 191 Sutter Street, [phone], fax [phone], www.galleriapark.com, was chosen for its location and moderate cost.

The New York Times - Travel

Like most anthologies, this is a book to pass on to others who don't necessarily share its perspective or those who do but need sustenance.

The Guardian - Books

We just need sustenance, stuff that tastes great and makes us feel good about both ourselves, and the fields that supplied the ingredients that fed us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Someone really needs to tell world leaders that people mostly go to Ben's Chili Bowl at 4 in the morning when they need sustenance to cushion the impact of a night of bad behavior.

The New York Times

You need sustenance for the hours ahead, to drink in the delights of Angkor Wat, a three-tiered pyramid crowned by five towers, like beehives, that rise 65 metres above the ground.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I need sustenance" to add a touch of formality or humor to your expression of hunger. It can be more engaging than simply saying "I'm hungry".

Common error

Avoid using "I need sustenance" in very casual conversations. It might sound overly formal or even pretentious among close friends or in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I need sustenance" primarily functions as a statement of requirement. It indicates a personal necessity for nourishment, which can be interpreted literally as needing food or more broadly as requiring essential support or resources. The phrase is confirmed as usable by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I need sustenance" is a grammatically sound and usable way to express a need for food or nourishment. As Ludwig highlights, it is deemed usable and correct. While it isn't the most common expression, appearing rarely in comparison to simpler alternatives, its presence in authoritative news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian suggests a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone, avoiding overly casual or informal settings where simpler expressions might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I require nourishment

More formal and emphasizes the necessity of nourishment for survival or health.

I need food

Direct and simple, indicating a basic need for something to eat.

I am in need of nutrition

Formal, highlighting the requirement for nutrients rather than just food.

I need to eat

A straightforward statement indicating the necessity of eating.

I'm hungry

A common and informal way to express the feeling of hunger.

I could use some food

Suggests a willingness to eat, often implying a moderate level of hunger.

I'm ready for a meal

Indicates preparedness to eat, suggesting hunger and anticipation.

I'm starving

Emphasizes a greater level of hunger, implying a prolonged lack of food.

I crave sustenance

Emphasizes a strong desire or craving for food.

I'm feeling peckish

More informal, suggesting a mild feeling of hunger.

FAQs

What does "I need sustenance" mean?

It means that you require food or nourishment to maintain your strength or health. It is a more formal way of saying "I'm hungry".

When is it appropriate to use "I need sustenance"?

It's appropriate when you want to express your need for food in a slightly formal or humorous way. You might use it in writing or in a conversation where you want to add a bit of character to your language.

What can I say instead of "I need sustenance"?

You can use alternatives like "I need food", "I'm hungry", or "I require nourishment" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "I need sustenance" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The sentence follows standard English grammar rules, with a subject ("I"), verb ("need"), and object ("sustenance").