had sustained for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had sustained for" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to indicate a duration of time during which something has been maintained or endured, but it requires a specific context to be grammatically correct. Example: "The team had sustained for several months under challenging conditions before achieving success."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The soil formation had sustained for ca. 5400 years and ceased at 3100 a B.P. A major pedogenic regression occurred from 3100 a B.P. because of climatic aridity and intensified dust accumulation over the Loess Plateau.

Geoderma

"In Alan's raised right hand, festooned with surgical clamps and now separated from the body that it had sustained for seventy-one years, rested the vice president's heart.

Huffington Post

In the meantime, let us continue in the tradition of peace". Woven into a stylishly choreographed fantasy, the solemn messages lent serious meaning to an outburst of song and Norwegian folklore that matched the tone the Games had sustained for two weeks, even while sharing the spotlight.

Los Angeles Times

All subjects reported that the pain had sustained for at least 3 months and that they continued the prosthetic treatment.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

There is no question that our bodies like to maintain whatever weight they have sustained for any period of time.

The New York Times - Health

Look, for instance, at the price war that Rupert Murdoch started in Britain, and which he has sustained for five years.

The Economist

She is ahead in national opinion polls by about 20 points, a lead she has sustained for months.

The Economist

Only someone of his catholic interests could have sustained, for instance, the superb Tour Thro' the Whole Island of Great Britain (1724 27).

Encyclopedia Britannica

If Lemelson contines to average twenty patents a year — a pace he has sustained for three decades — he will catch Edison, who is the Hank Aaron of patents, with a thousand and ninety-three, by the time he is ninety-seven.

The New Yorker

"An economic boycott of Arizona just adds to the massive economic burden Arizonans have sustained for years due to the federal government's failure to secure our borders," Mr. Senseman said.

The New York Times

The warfare between human and pests has sustained for thousands of years.

Advances in Difference Equations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing duration or support over time, replace the phrase "had sustained for" with stronger alternatives such as "had maintained for", "had supported for", or "had lasted for" to enhance clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid relying on "sustain" when indicating how long something has lasted. Instead, use specific verbs like "lasted", "continued", or "endured" to convey the intended meaning more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had sustained for" functions as part of a verb phrase, aiming to express the idea of something being maintained or supported over a period. However, its usage can often sound awkward, as noted by Ludwig AI, making it less effective than alternative phrasings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "had sustained for" attempts to convey the idea of maintaining something over a period, it is often considered awkward and less grammatically sound than alternatives. Ludwig AI points out that the expression may not be correct in standard written English. More effective options include "had maintained for", "had supported for", or "had lasted for", depending on the context. Its occurrence is rare, primarily appearing in news and scientific sources. Therefore, writers should opt for clearer, more precise language to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had maintained for

Replaces "sustained" with "maintained", offering a similar meaning with slightly improved clarity.

had supported for

Substitutes "sustained" with "supported", focusing on the act of providing assistance or resources.

had endured for

Replaces "sustained" with "endured", highlighting the ability to withstand something over time.

had lasted for

Focuses on the duration of something rather than the act of sustaining it.

had persisted for

Highlights the continuous existence or continuation of something.

had continued for

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of something over a period.

had kept up for

Uses a phrasal verb to indicate maintaining a certain level or pace.

had preserved for

Focuses on the act of keeping something in its original state over time.

had upheld for

Highlights maintaining a principle or standard over a period.

had fostered for

Focuses on nurturing or developing something over time.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "had sustained for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "had maintained for", "had supported for", or "had lasted for", depending on the specific context.

Is "had sustained for" grammatically correct?

While sometimes used, "had sustained for" can sound awkward. It's generally better to use more precise and grammatically sound alternatives for clearer writing. Ludwig AI suggests that the expression may not be correct in standard written English.

How can I use "had sustained for" in a sentence correctly?

While not recommended, if you must use it, ensure the context clearly indicates what has been maintained or supported over a specific duration, but consider rephrasing for better clarity using options such as "had supported for".

What is the difference between "had sustained for" and "had maintained for"?

"Had sustained for" implies keeping something going, while "had maintained for" suggests keeping something in a particular condition. "Had maintained for" is often a clearer and more appropriate choice.