in order to subsist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in order to subsist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the necessity of something for survival or existence. Example: "Many species have adapted their behaviors in order to subsist in harsh environments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In order to subsist in this environment, indigenous animal species such as the guanaco — a wild relative of the llama — have developed a range of innovative strategies.

The New Yorker

In order to subsist in this environment, indigenous animal species such as the guanaco a wild relative of the llama have developed a range of innovative strategies.

The New Yorker

By both books and experience, George acquired a fragmentary education while doing whatever work came to hand in order to subsist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In order to subsist on the unnutritious leaves of the eucalyptus, koalas have evolved a very low metabolism and, comparatively, a small brain; to conserve energy they spend up to 19 hours a day asleep.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Rob, who is actually a mutant human who wears a disguise to hide his true physical body, subsists on brains in order to survive.

Wikipedia

A common assumption in mammalogy is that small mammals cannot subsist entirely on plant material and must have a high-calorie diet in order to survive.

Wikipedia

Nevertheless, its old vernacular houses were designed and constructed in order to be sustainable and to subsist through hundreds of years.

Procedia Environmental Sciences

Rather than going to the jobcentre to jump through hoops in order to qualify for an income that barely enables people to subsist, people will simply be offered a job and paid at a "base wage".

The Guardian - Opinion

And he is working with the only two members of his team remaining at the institute to try to increase the amount of iron in rice in order to combat anemia, another scourge of people who subsist on a diet of rice and little else.

The New York Times - Science

It is a violent method, and in most cases impracticable, to oblige the laborer to toil in order to raise from the land more than what subsists himself and family.

University of Chicago

He subsists on an unappetizing "vegetarian" diet of animal blood in order to maintain his tenuous perch on the human ladder.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in order to subsist", ensure the context clearly establishes a challenging or limited environment where survival is not guaranteed. This emphasizes the effort or adaptation required for existence.

Common error

Avoid using "in order to subsist" when "to live" or "to survive" would suffice in general contexts. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or unnatural when simpler terms are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in order to subsist" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, explaining the reason behind an action or adaptation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates what is necessary to maintain life, especially under challenging circumstances.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in order to subsist" serves as a purpose connector, highlighting the reasons behind actions necessary for survival, particularly under challenging circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its appearance in various sources. While not overly frequent, primarily appearing in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, the phrase conveys a sense of effort or adaptation to maintain life. When writing, consider if simpler terms like "to survive" would suffice, as overuse can make your writing seem unnatural. Overall, while being correct, "in order to subsist" is better used when nuance requires emphasis on the conditions where the survival is possible thanks to specific actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to maintain existence

Focuses on the act of keeping oneself alive, subtly shifting from purpose to outcome.

for the purpose of survival

Emphasizes the intention behind actions, highlighting the aim to stay alive.

so as to survive

Uses a different conjunction to introduce the reason for existence, slightly altering the sentence structure.

to ensure survival

Shifts the focus to guaranteeing continued existence, adding a layer of certainty.

as a means of living

Highlights the actions taken as methods for sustaining life, changing the perspective from purpose to method.

for continued existence

Emphasizes the duration of survival, shifting the focus to ongoing living.

to facilitate living

Focuses on making living easier or possible, changing the emphasis from bare survival to a more comfortable existence.

for sustaining life

Highlights the act of supporting life, altering the emphasis from purpose to the means of support.

to perpetuate existence

Emphasizes the continuation of life, subtly implying a desire to extend survival beyond the present.

for biological maintenance

Uses a more technical and scientific tone to describe the upkeep of life processes.

FAQs

What is the difference between "in order to survive" and "in order to subsist"?

"In order to survive" generally refers to overcoming immediate threats to life. "In order to subsist", on the other hand, suggests a longer-term struggle to maintain life, often under challenging or limited conditions. The subtle difference highlights whether the focus is on immediate survival or sustained existence.

Can I use simpler alternatives to "in order to subsist"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use simpler alternatives like "to survive", "to live", or "for survival". The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "in order to subsist" most appropriate?

"In order to subsist" is most appropriate when describing how organisms, people, or systems manage to maintain their existence under difficult circumstances such as limited resources, harsh environments, or oppressive conditions.

Is "in order to subsist" interchangeable with "in order to exist"?

While similar, "in order to exist" is broader and can refer to simply being, whereas "in order to subsist" specifically implies maintaining life, often under adverse conditions. Subsisting suggests a struggle or effort to continue living that is not necessarily present with merely existing.