able to subsist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to subsist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to maintain or support oneself, especially in terms of survival or existence. Example: "In harsh environments, only those species that are able to subsist on limited resources will thrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

They figured that the demons would not be able to subsist by themselves.

The Economist

Sheep are able to subsist on sparse forage and limited water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were barely able to subsist, much less send money home.

The New York Times

Few from my background would have been able to subsist on such sporadic work.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fact that the two opposed doctrines — that of free will and that of predestination — are able to subsist in the same religious faith needs some explaining.

The New Yorker

Donoso's second and third novels, Este domingo (1966; This Sunday) and El lugar sin límites (1966; "The Place Without Limits"; Hell Has No Limits), depict characters barely able to subsist in an atmosphere of desolation and anguish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In parts of Europe it is possible for able-bodied newcomers to subsist on handouts, which infuriates the native-born.

The Economist

In the UK, it is possible for able-bodied newcomers to subsist on government handouts, which infuriates the native-born workers.

Huffington Post

There is no distinct boundary between the perceived and the apperceived, and Wundt's analogy may be misleading[49] to the extent that it gives the impression of two separable forms of attention able in principle to subsist together simultaneously (that is, apperception focusing upon a point in the perceptual field while that field continues to be perceived).

SEP

God is able to survive".

The New York Times

Sun bears, because of their smaller size and presumably lower absolute food requirements, may be better able than black bears to subsist on scattered insects.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to subsist", specify the conditions or resources that enable survival. For example, "able to subsist on a diet of roots and berries" provides more context.

Common error

While correct, "able to subsist" can sound unnecessarily formal in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "able to survive" or "able to get by" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to subsist" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capacity or capability of that entity to maintain life or existence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and appropriate in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "able to subsist" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the capacity to maintain life, often under challenging conditions or with limited resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in various writing contexts.

While generally appropriate, "able to subsist" leans towards a neutral to formal register and is frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. Alternatives such as "able to survive" or "able to get by" may be more suitable in informal settings. Key to effective use is specifying the resources or conditions that enable survival, thereby adding clarity and context to the statement. While generally acceptable, one should be careful not to overuse it in overly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of surviving

Focuses on the inherent capacity to overcome challenges and continue living, rather than just maintaining a minimal existence.

capable of self-sustenance

Highlights the ability to independently provide all necessary resources for survival.

able to sustain oneself

Emphasizes self-reliance and the ability to provide for one's own needs without external assistance.

able to maintain life

Directly refers to the ability to keep living organisms alive, often in the context of biological or ecological discussions.

able to eke out a living

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in securing a livelihood, often in challenging circumstances.

able to live off

Indicates reliance on a specific resource for sustenance, such as a particular food source or income.

able to support oneself

Focuses on the economic aspect of providing for one's own needs through work or other means.

able to exist on

Similar to 'live off' but can also refer to non-material sources of sustenance, such as minimal support or hope.

able to scrape by

Implies a minimal level of survival, with resources being scarce and life being difficult.

able to make ends meet

Specifically refers to the ability to balance income and expenses, often in a financial context.

FAQs

How can I use "able to subsist" in a sentence?

Use "able to subsist" to describe the capacity to maintain life or existence, especially with limited resources. For example: "Certain bacteria are "able to survive" in extreme conditions because they are "able to subsist" on unusual energy sources."

What's a simpler way to say "able to subsist"?

Alternatives include "able to survive", "able to get by", or "able to live", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

What does it mean to be "able to subsist on" something?

To be "able to subsist on" something means to rely on a particular resource or food source to maintain life or existence. For example: "During the famine, many families were only "able to survive" because they were "able to subsist on" donated grains."

In what situations is "able to subsist" most appropriate?

"Able to subsist" is appropriate in discussions of ecology, biology, economics, and situations where survival is challenging or resources are scarce. It often appears in formal writing and scientific contexts.