it survives on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it survives on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something continues to exist or function due to a specific source or condition. Example: "The ancient tradition survives on the dedication of the community to keep it alive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science & Research

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

According to a report in the 4 March issue of Nature, one such genome came from a bug whose likes had never been sequenced; the researchers deduced most of its metabolic pathways and figured out how it survives on a diet of iron.

Science Magazine

While hibernating, it survives on protein energy reserves that are stored in its skin and along its tail.

Wikipedia

But it survives on word from home.

The New York Times

Today it survives on less, she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Dinkins, gaveled the board into terminal adjournment, it survives on paper.

The New York Times

Instead, it survives on olive and cork plantations, the latter providing the world's principal source of wine stoppers.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"House" didn't survive for all those years on its operating-room scenes; it survived on Hugh Laurie's ever-deeper portrayal.

The New York Times - Arts

It survived on $46,000 in donations — mostly $50 each — in its first year, but completed 12 projects and started another 20.

The New York Times

How it survived on the plane I don't know – a few bulbs didn't.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By 2000, Milosevic's fiefdom was rotten to the core; it survived on corruption, the fear of exposure on the part of many criminals and war profiteers, and hostility toward the world.

The New Yorker

It survived on modest income from the World Cup finals, and relatively little was done to promote football in developing countries or to explore the game's business potential within the West's postwar economic boom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it survives on", ensure that the subject and the source of survival are clearly defined for better clarity. For example, specify what "it" is and what "it" depends on to survive.

Common error

Avoid using "it survives on" without clearly stating what "it" refers to or what provides the means for survival. Vague references can confuse readers and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it survives on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the means by which something continues to exist. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a common way to express dependence on a specific resource or condition for continued operation or existence. The examples illustrate different contexts where this phrase is applicable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science & Research

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it survives on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the means by which something continues to exist. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for various forms of communication. While alternatives such as "it depends on" or "it relies on" exist, "it survives on" effectively conveys the idea of dependence on a specific source for sustenance or continued operation. When using this phrase, ensure both the subject and its source of survival are clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it depends on

Emphasizes reliance or contingency on a specific factor.

it relies on

Highlights the act of depending on something for support or existence.

it subsists on

Suggests a minimal level of support or nourishment for survival.

it feeds on

Implies that something is consumed or utilized as a primary source of sustenance or energy.

it thrives on

Indicates that something not only survives but also flourishes or prospers due to a specific condition or resource.

it draws sustenance from

Highlights the extraction of necessary resources for maintaining life or function.

it is contingent upon

Stresses the conditional nature of survival, dependent on specific circumstances.

it gets by on

Implies managing to survive with limited resources or support.

it eeks out an existence on

Suggests a difficult or marginal survival, just barely managing to exist.

it is sustained by

Emphasizes that external support or provision is essential for continued existence.

FAQs

What does "it survives on" mean?

The phrase "it survives on" means that something continues to exist or function because of a specific source or condition. It indicates dependence for continued existence.

What can I say instead of "it survives on"?

You can use alternatives like "it depends on", "it relies on", or "it subsists on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it survives on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it survives on" is grammatically correct. The verb "survives" agrees with the singular pronoun "it", and "on" is used correctly as a preposition indicating the source of sustenance or support.

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

You can use "it survives on" to describe how something continues to exist. For example: "The organization "it survives on" donations from its members".