barely surviving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely surviving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is just managing to continue existing or functioning, often in difficult circumstances. Example: "After the storm, the small town was barely surviving, with many homes damaged and businesses closed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today she is barely surviving.

The Economist

A lot of them are barely surviving.

The New York Times

Thousands more are barely surviving.

The Guardian

I am barely surviving," said another.

The Guardian

Meanwhile in the UK he is barely surviving.

The Guardian

They are on a fixed income and are barely surviving.

The New York Times

As a result, this poor guy is barely surviving financially".

The New York Times

The night's other Fox comedy, the new entry "The Mindy Project," is also barely surviving.

The New York Times

Several of the bigger independent newspapers, such as Pravda, are barely surviving as it is.

The Economist

They were essentially serfs, renting a tiny spit of land and barely surviving off it.

The New York Times

He recalled barely surviving a bout of Rat Bite fever during those years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a dire situation, use "barely surviving" to convey the intensity of the struggle for continued existence. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the minimal margin between survival and failure.

Common error

Avoid using "barely surviving" when describing situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly challenging. Reserve it for scenarios involving significant hardship or threat to well-being to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely surviving" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically describing the state of a noun (person, entity, organization) that is experiencing significant difficulty in maintaining its existence or current condition. This is evidenced by Ludwig's examples showing contexts where businesses or individuals are struggling financially or physically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Huffington Post

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barely surviving" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of minimal existence under difficult conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed in news and media, as well as in formal business contexts, to convey the intensity of struggle. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations involving genuine hardship to maintain its impact. Alternative phrases like "scraping by" or "just staying afloat" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. This phrase effectively evokes empathy and highlights the severity of challenging circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely existing

A more general term indicating a minimal level of life or functionality.

just staying afloat

Focuses on the financial aspect of surviving, implying difficulty in maintaining stability.

scraping by

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in obtaining the necessities for survival.

eking out an existence

Highlights the minimal and often insufficient nature of resources for living.

hanging on by a thread

Suggests a precarious situation where survival is uncertain and dependent on chance.

barely making ends meet

Specifically addresses the financial struggle to cover basic expenses.

fighting for survival

Emphasizes the active struggle and effort required to continue living.

on the brink of collapse

Implies a high risk of failure or cessation of existence.

living hand to mouth

Describes a situation where one's income is only sufficient for immediate needs, with no savings.

in a precarious state

Highlights the instability and uncertainty of the current situation.

FAQs

How can I use "barely surviving" in a sentence?

You can use "barely surviving" to describe individuals, businesses, or even ecosystems struggling to continue existing under difficult conditions. For example, "After the economic downturn, many small businesses were "barely surviving"."

What are some alternatives to "barely surviving"?

Alternatives include phrases like "scraping by", "just staying afloat", or "eking out an existence", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

What's the difference between "barely surviving" and "thriving"?

"Barely surviving" implies a struggle to maintain existence, often with limited resources and under difficult circumstances. In contrast, "thriving" suggests prosperity, growth, and overall well-being. For example, Tsybaev says his company already has the kind of network effect that can mean the difference between "barely surviving" and thriving.

Is it appropriate to use "barely surviving" in formal writing?

Yes, "barely surviving" can be used in formal writing, particularly when describing serious situations such as economic hardship, natural disasters, or health crises. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall purpose of your writing. The phrase is found in sources such as "The Economist" and "The New York Times".