Sustain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Sustain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to maintaining or supporting something over time, such as an action, condition, or process. Example: "We need to sustain our efforts in reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So many grouse-guzzling hen harriers thriving in the area meant the grouse population was reduced too far to sustain a commercial shoot.

The Guardian

If it wishes to sustain public service broadcasting there needs to be certain things that help sustain it, that you trade for those [PSB] obligations and one of those things historically has been EPG prominence," he added.

The Guardian

On the Iraqi front, analysts say the US has to decide how many more victories by Isis it can sustain before increasing support to the underperforming Baghdad government forces on the ground.

The Guardian

We don't need to sustain clowning if clowning has become anachronistic.

The Guardian

This budget really throws off any hope that mining might sustain us.

The Guardian - Business

JH: But the problem is, how are the scriptwriters going to sustain all this?

The Guardian - Opinion

"In particular, I believe that we should be working closely together in identifying opportunities for building north-south economic development, and make sure that those opportunities become a reality in a way that will build jobs and sustain communities on both sides of the border," Gilmore said.

The Guardian

Instead I hold it secretly to sustain me".

The Guardian - Arts

"Mangroves sustain the people who sustain the mangroves," Pisit Charnsnah, the founder and director of Thailand's Yadfon Foundation, once said.

The Guardian

Levine says you have to play the long game: "If the journey is not the journey of your lifetime it is going to be very hard to sustain that".

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 1.22pm BST13:22 Vic Marks writes from Worcestershire Let me sustain the literary theme briefly.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Sustain", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being maintained or supported over time. For example, "Sustain economic growth" or "Sustain energy levels".

Common error

Avoid using "Sustain" when the intended meaning is merely to start or initiate something. "Sustain" implies an ongoing effort or state, not a beginning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Sustain" is as a verb, used to describe the act of maintaining, supporting, or prolonging something. This is evident in examples provided by Ludwig, such as "Sustain economic growth" and "Sustain energy levels".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Sustain" is a versatile verb used to describe maintaining or supporting something over time. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. As this analysis shows, its usage is frequent in news, business, and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that "Sustain" implies an ongoing effort or state. Consider alternatives like "maintain" or "support" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Maintain

Focuses on keeping something in its current state without necessarily implying support.

Support

Emphasizes providing assistance or resources to keep something functioning.

Uphold

Suggests maintaining something, often a principle or law, at a high standard.

Preserve

Highlights keeping something safe from harm or decay over a long period.

Prolong

Focuses on extending the duration of something.

Keep up

Implies maintaining a certain level or pace.

Nourish

Specifically relates to providing sustenance for growth or health.

Corroborate

Means to confirm or support with evidence, often in a legal or formal context.

Substantiate

Refers to providing evidence to prove the truth of something.

Continue

Means to proceed without interruption.

FAQs

How can I use "Sustain" in a sentence?

You can use "Sustain" to describe maintaining something over time, like "We must sustain our efforts to reduce pollution" or supporting something, as in "A healthy diet will sustain you during the marathon".

What are some alternatives to using "Sustain"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "maintain", "support", "preserve", or "uphold".

Is there a difference between "Sustain" and "Maintain"?

"Sustain" often implies providing support or resources to keep something going, while "maintain" focuses more on keeping something in its current state. For example, you might sustain a high level of performance by working hard, or maintain the current system.

When is it inappropriate to use the word "Sustain"?

It's inappropriate to use "Sustain" when you mean to initiate something new rather than continuing an existing state. For example, use "start" a project, not "sustain" it.