feeding off

USAGE SUMMARY

"feeding off" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is usually used in a figurative sense, to describe something taking advantage of something else. For example, "The company has been feeding off the success of its new marketing campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Everyone seems to be feeding off that".

The New York Times

"Queens is feeding off Manhattan's spillover".

The New York Times

"Everybody was feeding off the carcass of what was Iraq".

The New York Times

What's happening is the kids are feeding off the crowd.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone else, including Schrader, is feeding off the same corpse.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I find myself feeding off them as I'm working.

The Guardian - Arts

Like pickpockets at boxing bouts, Newcastle are feeding off scraps.

The Guardian - Sport

Everyone feels that, and everyone is feeding off that.

The New York Times

Mr. Capriles is now feeding off that pent-up energy.

The New York Times

It seems like everybody is feeding off the crowds.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nowadays, new sounds are multiplying in crazy profusion, fending off--or feeding off--one another..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feeding off" in your writing, consider the connotations. It can imply parasitism or opportunism, so ensure it aligns with your intended message. For example, "The artist was feeding off the energy of the city" suggests inspiration, while "The politician was feeding off the public's fear" suggests exploitation.

Common error

Be cautious of reversing the subjects, ensure it's clear who or what is benefiting from whom or what. For example, avoid saying "The success was feeding off the team" but instead phrase it as "The team was feeding off the success".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeding off" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an action of deriving sustenance, support, or benefit from something. It often describes a relationship where one entity relies on another, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples showing people "feeding off" crowds, energy, or even negative situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "feeding off" describes deriving benefit, energy, or support from a source, often implying a dependency or exploitative relationship. Ludwig AI classifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used. While the phrase maintains a generally neutral tone, as seen across many news and media sources, its usage can carry negative connotations depending on context. When writing, be mindful of the potential implications, ensuring alignment with your intended meaning. Related phrases, such as "deriving from" or "benefiting from", may offer more appropriate alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking advantage of

Highlights using an opportunity or situation, akin to "feeding off" but more direct.

drawing on

Highlights the act of using something as a resource or inspiration, close to "feeding off" but more neutral.

benefiting from

Indicates receiving a positive outcome, closely related to "feeding off" but more general.

capitalizing on

Implies taking advantage of an opportunity or situation, akin to "feeding off" but with a stronger emphasis on opportunism.

leveraging

Suggests using something to maximize an outcome, similar to "feeding off" but more strategic.

deriving from

Focuses on the origin or source from which something is obtained, similar to "feeding off" but less active.

profiting from

Emphasizes gaining a benefit or advantage from something, closely related to "feeding off" but specifically about profit.

thriving on

Suggests growing or flourishing because of something, similar to "feeding off" but emphasizing positive growth.

drawing sustenance from

Emphasizes obtaining nourishment or support, similar to "feeding off" but more formal.

exploiting

Indicates using something or someone for one's own advantage, similar to "feeding off" but often with a negative connotation.

FAQs

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

You can use "feeding off" to describe something or someone that is benefiting or deriving energy from another source. For example, "The smaller companies are feeding off the innovations of the tech giants".

What's the difference between "feeding off" and "deriving from"?

"Feeding off" often implies a more active or parasitic relationship, where one entity is directly taking from another. "Deriving from" is a more neutral term that suggests origin or source without the same connotation of direct consumption.

What can I say instead of "feeding off" to sound more positive?

You could use alternatives like "drawing on", "benefiting from", or "capitalizing on" depending on the context. These phrases often carry a more positive or neutral connotation.

Is "feeding off" always negative in connotation?

While "feeding off" can have negative implications, suggesting exploitation or parasitism, it can also be used neutrally to describe deriving energy or inspiration. The context usually determines the connotation.