live largely on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "live largely on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone primarily relies on or consumes a particular resource or type of food. Example: "Many people in the region live largely on rice and beans as their staple diet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Finfoots live largely on mollusks, frogs, and small fish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These beautiful animals live largely on fish, and while they can survive for up to four years, are rare, secretive and therefore difficult to see.

Independent

The early companies embracing the principles live largely on the Web, which makes it possible to measure and track customer behavior constantly and to invite suggestions and criticism.

The New York Times

The usual habitat of ciconiiforms is near water, chiefly fresh, and only a few species, such as the white stork (Ciconia ciconia), live largely on dry ground.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prostate cancer is very rare among Inuit in Greenland and Canada, who live largely on fish, as well as among Japanese men, who also eat a lot of fish.

University of California, Berkeley

That report, by a committee chaired by Richard Goldstone, a South African jurist, was said in Israel to have received a great deal of help from local nonprofit groups that live largely on foreign government donations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The remainder lives largely on fishing: in one recent summer, it is said, the rivers were so thick with salmon that tractors were needed to drag them out.

The Economist

Although almost every performer over a certain age seems to have adopted "Here's to Life," by Artie Butler and Phyllis Molinary, as the summing-up anthem of a life lived largely on the stage, no one lends it more depth and tenderness than Ms. Cook.

The New York Times - Arts

On its wintering grounds in Texas, the whooping crane (Grus americana), an endangered species, lives largely on crustaceans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Almost by definition, the approach would exclude millions of people who were unemployed or living largely on Social Security.

The New York Times

But let's be honest, all this takeover would do is delay the fateful day of doom for newsprint papers living largely on memories of their wonderful histories.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing dietary habits or economic dependencies, use "live largely on" to clearly indicate the primary source of sustenance or support. This phrase effectively conveys that while other sources may exist, they are secondary in importance.

Common error

Avoid using "live largely on" in extremely formal writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be expected. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound simplistic in highly academic or professional contexts. Opt for more nuanced alternatives such as "subsist primarily on" or "rely heavily on" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "live largely on" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It indicates the primary means by which someone or something is sustained or supported. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts, from dietary habits to economic dependencies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "live largely on" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for describing the primary means of sustenance or support. As per Ludwig AI analysis, its usage spans diverse contexts, from diet to economic reliance. Although it's a neutral phrase, it's best to consider your audience when writing. For a more sophisticated writing, use synonyms such as "subsist primarily on" or "rely heavily on". While it's more common in news and media, you can find it as well in encyclopedias and academic context. Overall, "live largely on" is a straightforward way to convey what a person, animal, or organization mainly depends on.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsist primarily on

Emphasizes survival and basic needs being met by a particular source.

depend mainly on

Focuses on reliance and the support derived from a particular source.

rely heavily on

Highlights the significant dependence on something for survival or function.

draw sustenance from

More formal, implies deriving essential nourishment from a specific source.

be sustained mostly by

Indicates that something is maintained or supported chiefly by a particular thing.

feed mainly on

Specifically related to diet and consumption for nourishment.

be primarily supported by

Focuses on the idea of being upheld or maintained by a main resource.

exist mostly on

Highlights the conditions of existence being tied to a certain element.

thrive mainly on

Suggests a prosperous or successful condition reliant on a specific source.

depend for livelihood on

Highlights the connection between a source and the way of life or earnings of a person or group.

FAQs

How can I use "live largely on" in a sentence?

You can use "live largely on" to describe what a person, animal, or community primarily relies on for sustenance or support. For example, "The remote village "lives largely on" fishing and tourism".

What are some alternatives to "live largely on"?

Some alternatives include "subsist primarily on", "depend mainly on", or "rely heavily on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "live largely on" or "subsist largely on"?

"Live largely on" is generally more common in everyday language, while "subsist largely on" carries a slightly more formal tone, often implying a basic level of survival.

Can "live largely on" be used to describe something other than food?

Yes, "live largely on" can be used to describe reliance on things other than food, such as income, donations, or other forms of support. For instance, "The organization "lives largely on" government grants".