can live from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can live from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of sustaining oneself or making a living through a particular source or means. Example: "Many artists can live from their work if they find the right audience and market for their creations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

We can live from that".

The New Yorker

"It's a system that guarantees people can live from their profession," he said.

The Guardian

Remember, after the war is over, they're often given land by the general, or the emperor – it becomes theirs, and where they can live from that point on.

Yale University

My parents' monthly income has fallen even though my mum tries hard to tell us that we can live from now on as before.

The Guardian

In one research line, the Solar Fish project, scientists investigate possible routes to design organisms that can live from photosynthesis similar to plants, but with higher efficiency.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

As to whether this is becoming a sustainable business that I can live from, I think the time to make a judgement will be in a year or so from now; in other words, about 2 years after starting.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"A peasant can live for a week from the proceeds of cutting one tree.

Los Angeles Times

I have come to crave safety, the idea that I can live free from physical or emotional harm.

The New York Times

As tiger numbers rise, the introduction of "elephant corridors", tracts of land that link areas where they can live safe from humans, lets them recolonise forest habitats.

Independent

It will mean that our women can live free from violence in their homes, with their children and in their communities.

The Guardian - Opinion

We want Scotland to be a country where all our people can live free from fear and discrimination".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing professions or income sources, use "can live from" to emphasize the ability to sustain oneself through that means. For example, "Many freelance writers can live from their online content."

Common error

Avoid using "live from" when you mean "can live from". "Live from" indicates a broadcast or transmission's origin, while "can live from" describes financial or physical sustenance. For example, it's incorrect to say "The artist is live from their paintings" when you mean "The artist can live from their paintings."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can live from" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ability to sustain oneself or make a living through a particular resource or activity. It highlights the capacity to derive necessary support from something, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples about artists and their work.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can live from" is a versatile phrase indicating the ability to sustain oneself through a specific source or activity. As determined by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. While "can live from" is generally neutral, it is important to differentiate it from "live from", which refers to a broadcast's origin. To avoid confusion, remember that while both phrases use the word live, they are not interchangeable. Using synonyms like "make a living from" or "subsist on" can provide additional clarity depending on the specific context you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a living from

Focuses on earning income rather than general sustenance.

subsist on

Emphasizes a basic level of survival.

derive sustenance from

More formal and emphasizes the act of obtaining nourishment.

earn one's keep through

Highlights earning something through a specific activity.

be supported by

Indicates reliance on something for support.

get by on

Focuses on managing to survive with limited resources.

be sustained by

Highlights long-term support or maintenance.

feed oneself with

Specifically relates to feeding or providing nourishment.

draw income from

Emphasizes obtaining income or revenue.

profit from

Highlights financial gain from something.

FAQs

How can I use "can live from" in a sentence?

Use "can live from" to indicate that someone is able to support themselves or make a living using a particular resource or activity. For example: "Many artists "can live from" their artwork if they manage their careers strategically."

What can I say instead of "can live from"?

You can use alternatives like "make a living from", "subsist on", or "derive sustenance from depending" on the context.

Is it correct to say "live from" when I mean "can live from"?

No, "live from" typically refers to broadcasting or transmitting from a location, while "can live from" refers to sustaining oneself or making a living. Confusing them will lead to misunderstanding.

What's the difference between "can live from" and "survive on"?

"Can live from" implies a sustainable and potentially comfortable existence, whereas "survive on" suggests a minimal level of support, often implying difficulty or hardship.