for a subsistence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a subsistence" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to refer to a means of survival or basic living, but it is typically used incorrectly in this form. Example: "He worked multiple jobs for a subsistence, struggling to make ends meet."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

For a subsistence fisherman, crabs are a highly valued addition to the seafood menu.

The Guardian

It is believed that Ms Goering, 76, did not ask for everything back but instead enough for a "subsistence living".

Independent

Sometimes I wouldn't see my father for weeks, as he had to work long hours and long distances away from home for a subsistence wage.

The Guardian - Opinion

He spends $38 a month for a subsistence diet of roti bread, lentils and, once a week, some chicken or eggs.

The New York Times

What the Biosphere 2 experiments clearly showed was that 1.25 hectares of highly productive land (about one third of a hectare per individual) were insufficient even for a subsistence lifestyle for 4 people.

The Guardian

Student: Well if I'm not a farmer, if I have some other means of supporting myself that could be capital for a side business but that wouldn't be for a subsistence farmer.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Few Americans know that some of the best legal minds in the country are, like Mr. Holdridge, doing this work exclusively and for only a subsistence income.

The New York Times

Prior to the closure Roviana villagers frequently harvest several species of ime for food, a subsistence strategy that appears to have limited the growth of ime and prevented it from smothering the coral.

Environmental Management

Wealth and leisure for the few and a subsistence living for the many.

Huffington Post

The next few days roll past uneasily for me on a subsistence of modafinil, swimming, smoked salmon steaks from the fishmonger's counter at ASDA and trips to the hospital, but eventually, somehow, he's well enough to come home.

Vice

The next few days roll past uneasily for me on a subsistence of modafinil, swimming, smoked salmon steaks from the fishmonger's counter at ASDA grocery store, and trips to the hospital, but eventually, somehow, he's well enough to come home.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more precise and grammatically standard alternatives like "for survival" or "for basic living" to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "for a subsistence" without careful consideration. While it appears in various sources, it can be perceived as grammatically awkward. Instead, opt for clearer phrases like "for survival" or "for basic living" to enhance the readability and credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a subsistence" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to indicate purpose or means. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is not considered standard English, making its grammatical correctness questionable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

42%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "for a subsistence" appears in a variety of sources, it is considered grammatically questionable by Ludwig AI. It functions as a prepositional phrase indicating purpose, specifically relating to survival at a basic level. Due to its non-standard usage, it's advisable to opt for clearer alternatives like "for survival" or "for basic living", especially in formal writing. While its frequency is common, consider the context and audience to ensure clarity and avoid potential grammatical issues. Using these alternative phrases enhances both readability and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for survival

Focuses directly on the act of staying alive, emphasizing a minimal level of existence.

for basic living

Highlights the fundamental necessities of life, broadening beyond mere survival.

to make ends meet

Emphasizes the struggle to balance income and expenses, implying financial difficulty.

for a livelihood

Indicates the means by which someone earns a living, often implying a modest income.

for sustenance

Highlights the provision of food and nourishment needed to stay alive.

to subsist

A verb form that directly expresses the act of maintaining life at a minimal level.

for mere existence

Underscores the bare minimum required to continue living, often with a negative connotation.

for a minimal standard of living

Highlights the low quality of life, focusing on the very basic necessities.

for bare necessities

Emphasizes the few essential items needed to survive, such as food, water, and shelter.

to keep body and soul together

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the challenge of providing for one's basic needs.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "for a subsistence"?

Alternatives include "for survival", "for basic living", or "to make ends meet", depending on the context.

Is "for a subsistence" grammatically correct?

While the phrase is used, it's not considered standard English. It's better to use clearer alternatives like "for survival" or "for basic living".

How can I use "for survival" in a sentence?

Example: "They hunted and gathered "for survival" in the wilderness."

What's the difference between "for a subsistence" and "for a livelihood"?

"For a livelihood" implies earning money or resources to live, while "for a subsistence" suggests merely surviving at a basic level. Though, being "for a subsistence" is not really correct.