is surviving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is surviving" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as part of the present continuous tense to describe a current ongoing action or state. Example: Despite the challenges, the small business is surviving thanks to the support of its loyal customers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The tougher part is surviving.

The Washington Post

"But she is surviving," he said.

The New York Times

"The real glory of war – is surviving".

The Guardian

After all, his greatest achievement, he jokes, is surviving.

The New York Times

The Federal Reserve is surviving the Trump era.

The Washington Post

"The human heart is surviving, and that's very powerful".

The Guardian

Her more immediate concern is surviving the holiday onslaught.

The New York Times

The biggest challenge, to be honest, is surviving the transition.

Harvard Business Review

For the moment, he is surviving on his savings.

The New York Times

For a car, it is surviving the Paris-Dakar Rally.

The New Yorker

"The city is down, but this neighborhood is surviving.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is surviving", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: are you emphasizing endurance, minimal existence, or overcoming challenges? Choose synonyms like "is enduring", "is subsisting", or "is coping" for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "is surviving" when a more positive term like "is thriving" or "is succeeding" would be more appropriate. "Is surviving" implies a struggle, so use it when that struggle is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is surviving" functions as the present continuous tense of the verb "survive". It describes an ongoing action of continuing to live or exist, often implying a struggle or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is surviving" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that indicates an ongoing process of continuing to live or exist, often in the face of challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While semantically related phrases like "is enduring" or "is coping" offer nuanced alternatives, "is surviving" effectively communicates resilience and persistence. However, it's important to avoid overusing it in positive contexts where "is thriving" would be more appropriate. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and contextual usage, writers can effectively employ "is surviving" to convey the intended meaning with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is subsisting

Focuses on the minimal resources needed to continue living.

is enduring

Emphasizes the ability to withstand hardship or adversity.

is coping

Highlights the act of managing difficulties or challenges.

is managing

Suggests a level of control and resourcefulness in maintaining existence.

is getting by

Implies a basic level of survival with limited resources.

is making it

Indicates success in overcoming challenges and continuing to live.

is holding on

Emphasizes the effort to maintain life or existence in a difficult situation.

is remaining

Focuses on the act of staying in existence or a particular state.

is persisting

Highlights continued existence despite obstacles or resistance.

is weathering the storm

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe overcoming a difficult period or challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "is surviving" in a sentence?

Use "is surviving" to describe the act of continuing to live or exist, often in difficult circumstances. For example, "The company "is surviving" despite the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "is surviving"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is enduring", "is coping", or "is managing".

Is it better to say "is surviving" or "is thriving"?

"Is surviving" implies a struggle to continue, while "is thriving" suggests success and growth. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual situation.

What's the difference between "is surviving" and "is existing"?

"Is existing" simply means to be alive or present, while "is surviving" implies overcoming challenges to maintain that existence.