have been sustaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been sustaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action or state of maintaining something over a period of time. Example: "We have been sustaining our efforts to improve community engagement for the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Already, hundreds of nonprofit community and university hospitals have been sustaining Neoforma, jointly contributing about $70 million in subsidies, stock purchases and loans to the company.

The New York Times

After a final refueling at Pommes Frites, whose $4.50 cones of French fries have been sustaining New York University students since 1997, I walked back to the Chelsea, slipping into bed around 4 a.m.

The New York Times - Travel

One measure not in the governor's speech was a proposal sought by the utilities to have the state sell bonds and use the proceeds to help finance the losses the power companies have been sustaining.

The New York Times

It said some rollbacks were an attempt to fulfill the demands of the trio of creditors, the International Monetary Fund, the European Central Bank and the European Commission, that have been sustaining Greece in recent years.

The New York Times

If VCs find that they have been sustaining a zombie, there are three things they can do: sell, bring in new management or pivot the business to something better.

TechCrunch

Experts stationed with the group, who are severely weakened and traumatized by their ordeal, have been sustaining them with food and medical supplies, while attempting to teach them the basics of scuba diving in case that is the only option to escape the cave.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

for any loss or damage that may have been sustained.

Columbia University

But since World War II, there have been sustained increases.

The New York Times - Magazine

(More commonly, however, gains from Open Court have been sustained).

The New York Times

Others say that the growth could not have been sustained.

The New York Times

The standards which Congress has provided here far exceed in specificity others which have been sustained.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been sustaining" to emphasize the ongoing nature of support or maintenance, particularly when highlighting the duration and continuous effort involved.

Common error

Avoid using "have been sustaining" when referring to a single, completed action; this phrase emphasizes an ongoing process. Instead, use "sustained" for a one-time action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been sustaining" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect progressive tense. It indicates an action that started in the past, continues into the present, and is expected to continue in the future. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been sustaining" is a grammatically correct verb phrase in the present perfect progressive tense, used to describe ongoing support or maintenance. Ludwig confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it appears across news, scientific, and academic sources. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a continuous action rather than a single event. Consider alternatives like "have been maintaining" or "have been supporting" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been maintaining

Focuses on keeping something in its current state.

have been supporting

Emphasizes the provision of assistance or resources.

have been upholding

Highlights the act of defending or preserving a principle or standard.

have been preserving

Focuses on protecting something from damage or decay.

have been nourishing

Implies providing what is necessary for growth or health.

have been fueling

Suggests providing impetus or energy to keep something going.

have been feeding

Indicates providing sustenance or resources continuously.

have been reinforcing

Focuses on strengthening or supporting something further.

have been propping up

Suggests providing temporary support to prevent collapse.

have been carrying

Implies bearing the weight or responsibility of something continuously.

FAQs

How can I use "have been sustaining" in a sentence?

Use "have been sustaining" to describe the ongoing process of providing support or maintaining something over a period. For example, "The community has been sustaining the local library through donations."

What are some alternatives to "have been sustaining"?

You can use alternatives such as "have been maintaining", "have been supporting", or "have been preserving" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "has been sustaining"?

Yes, but only when the subject is singular. For example, "The organization has been sustaining its efforts." With a plural subject, use "have been sustaining."

What's the difference between "have been sustaining" and "have sustained"?

"Have been sustaining" implies a continuous, ongoing action, while "have sustained" implies a completed action that has had lasting effects. For example, "They have been sustaining the project for years" versus "They have sustained significant losses".