be sustained by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be sustained by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is maintained or supported by a particular source or factor. Example: "The project will be sustained by ongoing funding from the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But that fear can only be sustained by distance, by keeping people at arm's length.

The Guardian - Opinion

That in turn can only be sustained by a profitable business.

The Guardian - Opinion

In his speech, he argued that the health service could only be sustained by exit.

The Guardian

It shows that small-scale creativity and ideas can be sustained by the internet".

The Guardian - Tech

Until then, we will have be sustained by Bosh's beer blogging.

The Guardian - Sport

But the life of the mind must be sustained by life of other kinds.

The New Yorker

But, until quite recently, truly whacky suspicions had to be sustained by coercion or by ignorance.

The Economist

And, however parochial his career, his miraculous consistency can only be sustained by global ambition.

Independent

Such interpretations, however, cannot be sustained by reference to his published works.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The free market in banks collapsed four years ago, and had to be sustained by government money.

The Guardian - Opinion

Has this reflexive censorship become so ingrained that it no longer need be sustained by the force of reason?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be sustained by", ensure the subject and the sustaining factor are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "The project will be sustained", specify "The project will be sustained by ongoing funding".

Common error

While "be sustained by" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to active voice where appropriate for a more direct and impactful statement. Instead of "The company is sustained by investments", try "Investments sustain the company".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sustained by" primarily functions as a passive construction indicating dependence or support. It highlights the element providing the necessary resources or conditions for something to continue or thrive. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be sustained by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote that something is maintained or supported by a specific source or factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's common in various contexts, particularly within scientific and news-related content. When writing, ensure that the subject being sustained and the sustaining element are clearly identified. While versatile, avoid overusing the passive voice for a more direct writing style. Alternatives such as ""be supported by"" or ""rely on"" can offer different nuances. The phrase's neutral to formal register makes it suitable for diverse writing purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be supported by

Emphasizes the act of providing assistance or resources, differing slightly from the idea of being maintained or upheld.

be maintained by

Highlights the act of keeping something in good condition or preserving it over time, shifting the focus from immediate support to continuous upkeep.

be upheld by

Focuses on the act of defending or preserving something, often in the face of opposition or challenges, thus implying a stronger element of active support.

be fueled by

Suggests that something is powered or driven by a specific source, adding a sense of energy or impetus.

be nourished by

Implies that something is nurtured or strengthened by a particular element, emphasizing growth and development.

be fed by

Indicates that something receives sustenance or input from a source, often used in the context of information or resources.

rely on

Simplifies the expression to a verb phrase, removing the passive construction and emphasizing dependence.

depend on

Similar to "rely on", this phrase highlights the condition of being contingent on something else.

hinge on

Suggests that the outcome or success of something is entirely dependent on a particular factor, implying a critical point of reliance.

rest on

Implies that something is based on or grounded in a particular foundation, suggesting a sense of stability or validity derived from the source.

FAQs

What does "be sustained by" mean?

The phrase "be sustained by" means to be maintained, supported, or kept going by something. It indicates reliance on a particular source or factor for continued existence or operation.

How can I use "be sustained by" in a sentence?

You can use "be sustained by" to show what is providing support or maintenance. For example, "The community garden will "be sustained by" volunteer efforts and donations."

What are some alternatives to "be sustained by"?

Alternatives include "be supported by", "be maintained by", or "rely on", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be sustained by"?

While "be sustained by" is in the passive voice, using the active voice can sometimes create a stronger sentence. For example, instead of "The program is sustained by grants", you could say "Grants sustain the program".