it lives off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it lives off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something relies on or derives sustenance from something else, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The company thrives because it lives off the loyalty of its customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It's basically like the last living dinosaur and surprisingly it lives off the shores of New Jersey.

Vice

It lives off smuggling and Russian money.

The Economist

It lives off the page.

The Guardian - Books

It lives off dirt and soap, not the tile.

The New York Times

Alaska, since it lives off oil revenues, is less squeamish about drilling than the feds are.

Forbes

It lives off dead flesh but also hunts other animals and is the ocean equivalent of a wild dog or big cat.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Concretized and crowded, it lived off its archaeological sites and dirty-dancing-on-tables night life.

The New York Times - Travel

Of a well-meaning but fundamentally misguided environmentalist group, she writes: "It lived off the good intentions of city types with disposable emotions who liked to think they were saving something".

The Guardian - Books

When a second train is ambushed, the two men decide to foot it, living off grass stems and wild animals, their iced-up greatcoats crackling and Doig's testicles bursting through his underpants as they go on their way.

The Guardian - Books

Can it live off them?

Vice

"The Thatcher legacy – of course I live off it to some extent," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it lives off", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The town lives off tourism" is more explicit than "It lives off it."

Common error

Avoid using "it lives off" when the referent of "it" is unclear. Always ensure the reader knows what "it" refers to, either by explicitly stating it or making it clear from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "it lives off" functions as a predicate, describing the means by which a subject obtains its sustenance or support. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show various contexts, from literal sustenance to metaphorical dependence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "it lives off" is used to describe something's reliance on a particular source for sustenance or support. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage, and its presence in numerous News & Media articles demonstrates its validity and appropriateness. When using the phrase, clarity is key to ensure the subject and source are easily identifiable, which helps to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives like "it depends on" and "it relies on" offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it relies on

Similar to 'depends on' but indicates a stronger necessity.

it depends on

Focuses on reliance, but less emphasis on sustenance.

it subsists on

Emphasizes survival and basic needs being met.

it feeds on

Stronger connotation, often used for literal feeding.

it draws from

Highlights the extraction of something from a source.

it thrives on

Indicates that something flourishes because of the source.

it is sustained by

Highlights that it is being maintained by it.

it is supported by

Focuses on the backing or maintenance provided.

it benefits from

Indicates that something gains an advantage from the source.

it capitalizes on

Suggests actively taking advantage of a resource.

FAQs

How can I use "it lives off" in a sentence?

Use "it lives off" to describe something that depends on another source for survival or sustenance. For example, "The small village "it lives off" fishing".

What can I say instead of "it lives off"?

You can use alternatives like "it depends on", "it relies on", or "it subsists on depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it lives off"?

Yes, "it lives off" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's a phrasal verb that describes a source of sustenance or support.

What's the difference between "it lives off" and "it thrives on"?

"It lives off" implies dependence, while "it thrives on" suggests that the source is beneficial and promotes growth. The latter has a more positive connotation.