able to survive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to survive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's or something's capacity to endure or continue existing despite challenges or adverse conditions. Example: "In harsh environments, only the strongest species are able to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

God is able to survive".

The New York Times

But will it be able to survive?

The Economist

I was able to survive".

The New York Times

Able to survive sustained 110 mph winds.

University of California, Berkeley

Will we be able to survive?

The New Yorker

"We've been able to survive by adapting".

The Guardian

We should be able to survive.

The New York Times - Magazine

They wouldn't be able to survive".

The Guardian

Are they able to survive their initial mobilizing boom?

University of California, Berkeley

But all of them are able to survive on land.

Cornell University

"I'm just happy I've been able to survive this long".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an organism's ability to withstand specific environmental conditions, pair "able to survive" with descriptive adjectives or phrases that specify those conditions. For example, "able to survive extreme cold" or "able to survive without water for extended periods".

Common error

Avoid using "able to survive" as a transitive verb, directly followed by what is being survived. For example, instead of "The company was able to survive the crisis", use "The company was able to survive because of its resilience" or "The company was able to survive the crisis due to government support".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to survive" functions primarily as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive. It describes the capacity or potential for someone or something to endure or continue existing despite adverse conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to survive" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase across diverse contexts, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to denote the capacity to endure or withstand challenging conditions. While versatile, it's best paired with specific environmental factors or conditions for clarity. While generally neutral, its usage in academic, scientific, and news contexts leans towards a formal register. When looking for alternatives, consider options like "capable of surviving" or "fit to survive" to emphasize particular nuances. With common occurrences in news, science, and academic sources, mastering this phrase ensures clear and effective communication in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of surviving

Emphasizes the inherent capacity or potential to survive. This alternative focuses on the inherent capabilities of something.

fit to survive

Highlights the suitability or preparedness for survival, implying a degree of natural selection or adaptation.

equipped to survive

Focuses on the resources or characteristics that enable survival, emphasizing preparedness and adaptation.

prepared to survive

Stresses the proactive measures taken to ensure survival, implying anticipation of challenges.

resilient enough to survive

Highlights the quality of resilience as the key factor enabling survival, emphasizing the ability to bounce back from adversity.

strong enough to survive

Highlights physical or metaphorical strength as the enabling factor for survival.

likely to endure

Shifts the focus to the probability of survival over a longer period, emphasizing lasting power.

poised to weather

Implies a readiness to withstand difficult circumstances, often used in the context of challenges or crises.

manage to subsist

Focuses on the ability to maintain a minimal level of existence, often in adverse conditions.

continue to exist

A more basic and general way of expressing survival, focusing on the continuation of existence.

FAQs

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

Use "able to survive" to describe the capacity to endure or continue existing despite challenges. For example: "Only the strongest species are "able to survive" in harsh environments".

What are some alternatives to "able to survive"?

You can use alternatives such as "capable of surviving", "fit to survive", or "equipped to survive" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "able to survive through"?

While understandable, "able to survive" typically implies 'through' the challenging conditions. Using "able to survive through" might be redundant; consider "able to survive" or "able to endure" instead.

What is the difference between "able to survive" and "likely to survive"?

"Able to survive" indicates the inherent capacity to endure, while "likely to survive" suggests a higher probability of enduring based on current conditions or characteristics. One indicates potential, the other indicates probability.