feed on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feed on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of consuming or deriving sustenance from something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The company seems to feed on the creativity of its employees to drive innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Males do not feed on blood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

morganii praedicta really feed on A. sesquipedale?

The Guardian

Vampire bats even feed on human blood.

BMC Biology

Feed on!

WikiHow

The two feed on one another.

The Guardian - Opinion

They feed on adversity.

The New York Times

Let's feed on that.

The New York Times

Some insects feed on rosebuds.

The New Yorker

They feed on the blood.

The New Yorker

Larval forms feed on shrubs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They feed on themselves".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feed on" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the subject and object are logically connected to maintain clarity and avoid unintended interpretations. For example, "They feed on adversity" effectively conveys resilience, while less coherent pairings may confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "feed on" in passive constructions where the agent is unclear or omitted. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the sentence's impact. Instead of "Negativity is fed on", prefer the active voice: "People feed on negativity".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "feed on" functions primarily as a verb expressing the action of consuming or deriving sustenance from something. Ludwig AI data confirms its use in both literal and figurative contexts, encompassing biological processes and abstract dependencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "feed on" is a versatile expression signifying consumption, dependence, or exploitation, suitable for both literal and figurative contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across diverse sources, including News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science domains. While grammatically sound, it's important to ensure context-appropriate usage, especially in avoiding passive constructions. Alternatives like "subsist on" or "prey on" offer nuanced variations, but remember directness enhances clarity. Understanding these subtleties allows for more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw sustenance from

Focuses on obtaining what is needed to live or thrive from a particular source.

subsist on

Emphasizes survival or continued existence based on a particular food or resource.

live off

Suggests dependence on something or someone for support.

prey on

Implies exploitation or victimization while deriving benefit.

thrive on

Indicates flourishing or benefiting from something, often a challenge or difficult situation.

graze on

Specifically refers to animals feeding on grass or plants.

capitalize on

Implies taking advantage of an opportunity or situation for personal gain.

consume

A more general term for eating or using something up.

depend on

Highlights reliance or necessity.

nourish oneself with

A more formal way of saying to feed oneself, often implying intellectual or spiritual sustenance.

FAQs

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

You can use "feed on" to describe the act of consuming something, either literally (like animals feeding on plants) or metaphorically (like someone feeding on attention). Examples include: "Caterpillars feed on leaves" or "Politicians feed on public fear".

What can I say instead of "feed on"?

Alternatives include "subsist on", "prey on", "live off", or "thrive on", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "feed on" or "feed off of"?

"Feed on" is generally preferred and more concise. "Feed off of" is considered less formal and can sometimes sound redundant, though it's not strictly incorrect. The simpler "feed on" is usually the better choice.

What's the difference between "feed on" and "prey on"?

"Feed on" typically implies a neutral act of consumption, while "prey on" suggests exploitation or taking advantage of someone or something vulnerable. For example, vultures feed on carrion, while scammers prey on the elderly.