a survivor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a survivor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who has endured a difficult experience or situation, often related to trauma or adversity. Example: "After facing numerous challenges in her life, she proudly identifies as a survivor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A survivor.

The New York Times

A survivor of a survivor".

The New Yorker

Hudson is a survivor.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's a survivor".

The New York Times

She is a survivor.

The Economist

Everyone loves a survivor.

The New Yorker

"I'm a survivor".

The New York Times

It's a survivor.

Independent

"A survivor," Kagame said.

The New Yorker

Like a survivor of Kesselschlact".

The New York Times - Magazine

Her father was a Survivor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In administrative or legal contexts, ensure you distinguish between "a survivor" and a beneficiary of a survivor's benefit, as the latter has specific financial implications.

Common error

Do not use "a survivor" to describe enduring minor inconveniences, such as a long meeting or a slow commute. This dilutes the term's significance for those who have faced life-threatening or deeply traumatic experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a survivor" functions as a count noun phrase. In sentences found in Ludwig, it often serves as a subject complement (e.g., "She is a survivor") or an appositive to provide immediate characterization of a person following a traumatic event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a survivor" is a deeply rooted and powerful noun phrase used to denote strength in the face of adversity. According to Ludwig examples, it is most frequently utilized in journalistic writing to provide a dignified label for individuals who have endured significant trauma, ranging from natural disasters to medical crises. The linguistic data confirms it as a correct and highly frequent term that carries significant weight. While synonyms like "a fighter" or "an overcomer" exist, "a survivor" remains the standard for acknowledging the sheer fact of continuing to live after a life-altering event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an overcomer

Emphasizes the active victory over a specific obstacle rather than just the state of having endured it.

a thriver

Implies that the individual is not just existing after trauma but is flourishing and growing.

a resilient person

Uses an adjective-noun structure to highlight the psychological trait of durability.

a fighter

Stresses the active struggle and will to live during the hardship.

a veteran

Often used for those who have lived through long periods of professional or military conflict.

a long-timer

More informal and suggests longevity within a specific environment or system.

a holdout

Implies refusal to surrender or change despite external pressure or changing times.

an escapee

Specific to situations involving captivity or confinement where the survival involved fleeing.

a victim

Shifts the focus from the endurance of the individual to the harm inflicted by the event.

a remnant

Refers to a survivor as a remaining piece of a larger group that has perished.

FAQs

How do I use "a survivor" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone who has lived through a hardship, such as: "She is "a survivor" of the earthquake." or "He is "a survivor" of cancer."

What is the difference between a survivor and a victim?

A "victim" focuses on the harm or crime suffered, while "a survivor" emphasizes the individual's agency and their continued life following the event.

Can I say "a thriver" instead of "a survivor"?

Yes, if you want to emphasize that the person is doing exceptionally well after the event, "a thriver" is a more positive and growth-oriented alternative.

Is it "survivor of" or "survivor from"?

Typically, you use "survivor of" when referring to an event or disease (e.g., survivor of a wreck). Use "survivor from" less frequently, often when referring to a specific group or place.