it sustains

USAGE SUMMARY

"it sustains" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean that something supports or maintains something else. Example: "The strong foundation of the building sustains its weight and prevents it from collapsing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it sustains its love affair with hysteria even as its subject's serious work begins.

The New York Times - Books

But the reason this musical may get closer than any other Fringe production has since the 1999 "Urinetown" is how it sustains its satirical style.

The New York Times

Biologically it sustains life, yet its psychological counterpart is at the core of our emotion and of our humanity.

Huffington Post

A sustainment support battalion does just that -- it sustains and supports the troops.

Huffington Post

It sustains and rallies people.

The New York Times

It sustains us.

The Guardian - Sport

"It sustains you".

The New York Times

Critics of investment say it sustains apartheid.

The New Yorker

It sustains my mind and my writing".

The New York Times

"It uses energy, it sustains itself and it replicates".

The New York Times - Science

It sustains 11 national titles, and unusually high readership levels.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it sustains", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The river it sustains provides water for the entire region."

Common error

Avoid overusing "it sustains" in contexts where a more specific verb would be appropriate. For example, instead of "The policy it sustains is flawed", consider "The policy it enables/promotes is flawed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sustains" primarily functions as a verb phrase where 'it' acts as a pronoun subject and 'sustains' acts as a transitive verb. This construction indicates that 'it' provides support, maintenance, or continuation to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it sustains" functions as a verb phrase indicating support or maintenance provided by a subject, typically 'it', to an object. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Its communicative purpose is to assert active support, maintenance, or prolongation, frequently observed across news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While alternatives such as "it maintains" or "it supports" exist, choosing "it sustains" emphasizes continuous or ongoing support. Common errors include overuse in situations demanding more specific verbs. Practical usage involves ensuring clear subject and object definitions to prevent ambiguity. Source analysis reveals its prevalence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforcing its reliability and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it maintains

Focuses on preserving the current state, slightly different from continuously providing support.

it supports

Highlights the act of providing assistance or bearing weight, with a more general scope.

it upholds

Emphasizes the act of defending or preserving a principle or decision.

it preserves

Stresses the act of keeping something intact or preventing it from decaying.

it continues

Focuses on the uninterrupted progression of something over time.

it fuels

Highlights the provision of energy or impetus for ongoing activity or growth.

it nourishes

Emphasizes the provision of essential elements for growth and health.

it underpins

Focuses on providing a foundational support or basis for something.

it fortifies

Implies strengthening or reinforcing something against potential threats.

it buoys

Suggests lifting or supporting something to keep it afloat, both literally and figuratively.

FAQs

How can I use "it sustains" in a sentence?

Use "it sustains" to describe something that supports or maintains something else. For example, "The budget it sustains allows for continued research funding."

What are some alternatives to "it sustains"?

You can use alternatives like "it maintains", "it supports", or "it preserves" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it sustains itself"?

Yes, "it sustains itself" is grammatically correct and means that something is capable of maintaining its own existence or functionality without external help. The search results confirm the usage of such phrases.

What's the difference between "it sustains" and "it supports"?

"It sustains" implies continuous support over a period, while "it supports" can refer to a more immediate or general form of assistance. For example, "The organization it sustains has existed for 30 years" indicates longer term support, while supporting something could be a one-off event.