it subsists on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it subsists on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that exists or is sustained by a particular source or resource. Example: "The ecosystem in this region subsists on the nutrients provided by the river."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It subsists on public and private financing, and admission to all shows is free.

The New York Times - Arts

It subsists on an all-white, all-native, monoethnic diet of Italian game shows, Italian television mini-series, Italian advertisements on cable stations for improbable vibrating contraptions that promise to jiggle fat away, and Italian pop music.

The New York Times - Arts

Not only does it spread diseases, but it is also vastly more successful when it lives on plants infected with the diseases in question than when it subsists on healthy plants.Though classified as a single species, Bemisia is actually a complex of "biotypes", and biotype B, which arrived in China in the late 1990s, is rapidly taking the place over from the wimpy natives.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Before VanderSloot bought into the company, it subsisted on a handful of products tied to the melaleuca, or "tea tree" of Australia.

Forbes

Named "Marapikurrinya" by the local Aboriginal people, it subsisted for years on wool exports and a few pearls gathered from oysters at low tide.

The New York Times

Her organization receives a small amount of money from the federal government, but it subsists mostly on donations.

Vice

Her organisation receives a small amount of money from the federal government, but it subsists mostly on donations.

Vice

They'd appreciate it (the movement subsists on donations), just don't stop your car in the street to do so.

Huffington Post

Cuba longs for the dollars on which it subsists; much of Miami yearns to be reunited with struggling Cuban relations.

The Economist

Trick the body into thinking it was starving by taking away its primary fuel of carbohydrates and forcing it to subsist on an all-fat diet, and you could create that antiepileptic effect as long as necessary.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cave was living in Berlin when he wrote it and subsisting on a diet of heroin and speed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it subsists on", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and that the source of sustenance is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The endangered species subsists on a diet of specific insects" is more precise than "It subsists on insects."

Common error

Avoid using "it subsists on" without specifying what "it" refers to, especially in scientific or technical writing. Overgeneralization can lead to a lack of clarity and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it subsists on" functions as a verb phrase, where "subsists" is the verb indicating how something is maintained, and "on" introduces the source of sustenance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It describes the means by which a subject is sustained.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it subsists on" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the means by which something is sustained, as validated by Ludwig AI. While relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news and media, and to a lesser extent in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. To ensure clarity, specify what "it" refers to and the precise source of sustenance. Alternatives such as ""it depends on"" or ""it relies on"" can offer similar meanings with subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it depends on

Focuses on reliance for support or existence.

it relies on

Highlights the dependence on something as a primary resource.

it feeds on

Implies that something consumes or utilizes something for sustenance.

it lives off

Similar to 'feeds on', suggesting sustenance from a particular source.

it is sustained by

Emphasizes the support and maintenance provided by something.

it thrives on

Indicates that something flourishes and grows due to a particular element.

it draws sustenance from

A more formal way of expressing the derivation of nourishment or support.

it is nourished by

Highlights the nurturing aspect of a resource.

it derives its livelihood from

Focuses on how something obtains its means of survival.

it is supported by

Emphasizes the backing and help received from a source.

FAQs

How can I use "it subsists on" in a sentence?

Use "it subsists on" to describe something that relies on a specific resource for survival or sustenance. For example, "The rare orchid it subsists on a particular type of fungus".

What are some alternatives to "it subsists on"?

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

Is "it subsists on" formal or informal?

"It subsists on" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for academic, journalistic, and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "it subsists on" and "it survives on"?

"It subsists on" implies a basic level of sustenance needed to maintain life, while "it survives on" ("it survives on") suggests enduring hardship or scarcity to stay alive. The latter emphasizes resilience under challenging conditions.