feed off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feed off" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to the act of taking sustenance from something, such as a plant or animal, and it can also be used figuratively to describe the act of drawing energy or inspiration from something. For example, "The talented performer managed to feed off the energy from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

People feed off that.

The New York Times - Sports

"They feed off that momentum.

The New York Times - Sports

"We feed off the fans".

The New York Times - Sports

I feed off his energy.

The New Yorker

They feed off the crowd.

The New York Times

"We feed off each other".

The New York Times - Sports

I just feed off that".

The New York Times - Sports

I just feed off him.

The New York Times - Sports

I feed off of it.

The New York Times - Sports

They feed off it.

The New York Times

"I feed off them".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feed off" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly indicates what is providing the sustenance or energy. For example, "The team feeds off the energy of the crowd" is clear, while "They feed off it" requires prior context.

Common error

Avoid using "feed off" when a more precise verb like "exploit" or "derive" would be more appropriate. "Feed off" often suggests a reciprocal relationship, while "exploit" implies a more one-sided, often negative interaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "feed off" functions primarily as a verb of dependence and interaction. It describes a relationship where one entity derives sustenance, energy, or benefit from another. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and describes drawing energy or inspiration. The examples in Ludwig clearly show both literal and figurative usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

30%

General Communication

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "feed off" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It conveys the idea of deriving sustenance, energy, or some other benefit from an external source. While commonly used in news, sports, and general conversational contexts, it appears less frequently in academic or scientific writing. When writing, be mindful of the subtle nuances between "feed off" and similar verbs like "exploit" or "depend on", ensuring the chosen verb accurately reflects the intended relationship. Ludwig's examples further highlight the versatile nature of the phrase, demonstrating its applicability across various subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be fueled by

Highlights the idea of energy or momentum being provided by a source.

draw on

Implies using something as a resource or source of support.

be sustained by

Emphasizes the ongoing support or maintenance provided by something.

gain sustenance from

Implies obtaining the necessities to maintain life or activity from a specific source.

thrive on

Suggests not only benefiting from something, but also flourishing or growing stronger as a result.

derive benefit from

A more formal and general way of saying that something positive is obtained from a source.

capitalize on

Focuses on taking advantage of something, often for personal gain.

take advantage of

Similar to "capitalize on", but can also imply opportunism.

exploit

Has a more negative connotation, implying unfair or selfish use of something.

parasitize

A biological term that implies a one-sided relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

FAQs

How can I use "feed off" in a sentence?

You can use "feed off" to describe both literal consumption (animals feeding off plants) and figurative dependence, such as "The speaker "feeds off" the audience's enthusiasm".

What are some alternatives to "feed off"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "draw on", "thrive on", or "capitalize on" to express similar ideas.

Is it correct to say "feed off of" instead of "feed off"?

While "feed off" is the more common and concise form, "feed off of" is also grammatically acceptable, especially when emphasizing the source. However, in most cases, "feed off" is preferred for its simplicity.

What's the difference between "feed off" and "depend on"?

"Feed off" often implies a more active or parasitic relationship, where something is directly taking energy or resources. "Depend on" is a broader term that simply means relying on something for support or assistance.