is self-sufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is self-sufficient" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is capable of providing for itself without relying on others for help. For example, "The small farming town is self-sufficient, with farmers growing their own produce and raising their own livestock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The community is self-sufficient but divided.

The Guardian - Film

God is self-sufficient and worthy of praise.

The Guardian - Books

Each chapter is self-sufficient -- you can read in whatever order you choose.

The New York Times - Books

As a result, Texas is self-sufficient, while California must buy electricity from neighboring states.

The New York Times

A common thread is the notion that none of us is self-sufficient.

The Economist

Dominica is self-sufficient in fruit and vegetables and exports foodstuffs to Guadeloupe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The 'hood is self-sufficient, self-reliant; it handles its own affairs and makes a total cock-up of it.

The Guardian

As a result, the largely desert country is self-sufficient in wheat, though it has to import rice.

The Economist

In the years that followed, rice production increased several-fold and today India is self-sufficient in the crop.G.

The Economist

"This year will be the last in which China produces enough corn for itself, and the last that it is self-sufficient in protein".

The Guardian

One officer commented that "the park is self-sufficient … [it] has its own life and its own management, which is private.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a community or region, use "is self-sufficient" to emphasize its ability to provide all necessary resources for its inhabitants without external dependence.

Common error

Avoid using "is self-sufficient" to imply complete isolation or lack of interaction with other entities. Self-sufficiency refers to the ability to meet one's own needs, not necessarily a complete detachment from the outside world.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is self-sufficient" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically used to attribute the characteristic of being able to provide for one's own needs without external assistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is self-sufficient" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes the ability to provide for oneself or itself independently, applicable to individuals, communities, or even systems. While often used in neutral register across various domains like news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, it's important to avoid implying complete isolation when using this phrase. Related phrases like "is independent" and "is self-reliant" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is independent

Focuses on lacking reliance on external support or control.

is self-reliant

Emphasizes the ability to depend on one's own capabilities and resources.

is self-sustaining

Highlights the capacity to maintain itself without external assistance, especially over time.

is autonomous

Stresses the state of being self-governing and independent in decision-making.

is able to cope on their own

Highlights a more general sense of independence and problem-solving capacity.

is not dependent

Directly negates reliance on others for support.

functions independently

Emphasizes the operational aspect of being self-sufficient.

manages without help

Focuses on the ability to handle affairs without external assistance.

provides for itself

Highlights the ability to meet one's own needs and requirements.

operates independently

Highlights an ability to function autonomously.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is self-sufficient"?

When something "is self-sufficient", it means that it can provide for its own needs without relying on external assistance or support. This can apply to individuals, communities, or even systems.

How can I use "is self-sufficient" in a sentence?

You can use "is self-sufficient" to describe something that doesn't need outside help. For example, "The farm "is self-sufficient" because it grows all its own food and generates its own energy."

What are some alternatives to saying "is self-sufficient"?

Alternatives to "is self-sufficient" include phrases like "is independent", "is self-reliant", or "is self-sustaining". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always positive to be "self-sufficient"?

While being "self-sufficient" is generally positive, implying independence and resilience, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation if it suggests isolation or unwillingness to collaborate with others.