I was sustained

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was sustained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one was supported or endured through difficult circumstances. Example: Despite the challenges, I was sustained by my family's love and encouragement throughout my journey to becoming a doctor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I couldn't exactly take part in the rough life I watched, but I was sustained by it.

The Guardian - Books

Without a doubt I was sustained by my fondness for and perceived affinities with many of the musicians in the book.

The New Yorker

The third movement -- ethereal, spiritual music of a sort -- played as my heart was stopped, and I was sustained by the heart-lung machine.

The New York Times

It seemed so strange that, in one of the wealthiest nations of the world, I was sustained by the very same poverty as in India, and that poverty from all over the developing world was gathering in the basement kitchens of the Baby Bistros and Queen of Tarts bakeries of New York.

The Guardian - Books

My skin's yellowish glow from the IV nutrition I was sustained on took years to fade.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"In 1940 I hated nazism, yet every day I was sustaining myself by listening to Beethoven and Haydn," he said.

The Guardian - Opinion

Until then, I am sustained by the quiet beauty of the garden in its winter dress.

The New York Times

I am sustained and nourished by this sound – in fact, I'm obsessed with the modern sound coming from Pakistan these days, where ancient qawwali singing is embedded in rock and modern foundations.

The Guardian

I know that if I want to keep putting food on the table I should probably start an Energy Star-certified skylight-installation company in Atlanta, but I am sustained in my vocation in part by the chance to meet people who have briefly resided in the strange mansions of my consciousness.

The New Yorker

As Lincoln said: "I am sustained by Mr. Jefferson".

Huffington Post

"I am sustaining the court's objection to that," he said as audible gasps and mocking laughter were heard from the gallery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "I was sustained" implies a sense of endurance and ongoing support, while alternatives might emphasize different aspects of assistance.

Common error

Avoid using "I was sustained" when describing impersonal processes or things. The phrase is best suited for describing personal experiences of being supported or maintained. Instead, opt for alternatives like 'it was sustained' or 'the process was sustained' when referring to non-personal subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was sustained" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that the speaker received support or strength from an external source. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was sustained" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to express that one received support or strength that enabled them to endure or continue through a challenging situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in written English. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it also finds use in scientific writing. Consider alternatives like "I was supported" or "I drew strength from" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid misusing "I was sustained" to describe impersonal subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was supported

A direct synonym, emphasizing the act of support rather than the continuation of it.

I was maintained

Highlights the preservation and continuation, similar to sustained but less about endurance.

I received support

Focuses on the act of receiving assistance, differing from the enduring aspect of being sustained.

I was upheld

Implies being maintained or defended, suggesting a more active form of support.

I drew strength from

Shifts the focus to the source of support, emphasizing personal resilience.

I was nourished

Focuses on being fed or nurtured, either literally or metaphorically.

I gained sustenance from

More formal and focuses on nourishment or support, often in a metaphorical sense.

I relied on

Highlights dependence on something or someone for support or help.

I was fortified

Suggests being strengthened or reinforced, implying an increase in resilience.

I depended on

Similar to 'relied on', emphasizing reliance for assistance or maintenance.

FAQs

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

Use "I was sustained" to express that you received support or strength that helped you endure a challenging situation. For example, "Despite the hardships, "I was sustained" by my family's unwavering love".

What are some alternatives to saying "I was sustained"?

You can use alternatives such as "I was supported", "I drew strength from", or "I relied on" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am sustained" instead of "I was sustained"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "I am sustained" indicates an ongoing state of being supported, while ""I was sustained"" refers to a past experience of being supported.

What is the difference between "I was sustained" and "I sustained"?

""I was sustained"" means you received support or were maintained by something or someone. On the other hand, "I sustained" means you experienced or suffered something, such as an injury or loss. For instance, “I sustained an injury during the game”.