living on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "living on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of continuing to exist or survive, often in a specific context such as relying on a particular resource or lifestyle. Example: "After the accident, he found himself living on the support of his friends and family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We are living on illusions.

The New York Times

"I was living on the street.

Independent

Miranda: What are you living on?

The New Yorker

I am living on borrowed time".

Independent

Living on Soylent has its benefits, though.

The New Yorker

I've been living on the street.

Independent

"Living on this island, you eat well".

The New York Times - Travel

RIDGEFIELD "Living on the Grid," group show.

The New York Times

"I love living on the second floor.

The New York Times

Among the Living on Screen Q.

The New York Times

Each is living on borrowed time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "living on", ensure the object of the preposition 'on' clearly indicates the source of sustenance, support, or location. For example, "living on savings" is more precise than simply "living on."

Common error

Avoid using "living on" in contexts where "living in" or "living at" would be more appropriate. "Living on" implies dependence or reliance, whereas "living in" or "living at" indicates a location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "living on" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "living" is the present participle of the verb "live" and "on" is a preposition. It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing the means by which someone or something is sustained or exists, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "living on" is a versatile and frequently used expression that primarily conveys the idea of dependence, reliance, or sustenance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Examples from diverse sources such as news media, scientific articles, and wikis illustrate its broad usage. To ensure clarity, be precise about what someone is "living on". While generally neutral, be mindful of the context to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "subsisting on" or "relying on" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsisting on

Focuses on the idea of surviving with minimal resources or support.

dependent on

Emphasizes reliance on something or someone for survival or well-being.

thriving on

Suggests not just survival, but also flourishing or excelling due to a particular condition or resource.

existing on

Highlights the basic state of being alive and continuing to function.

surviving on

Implies facing challenges and managing to stay alive despite difficulties.

relying on

Focuses on the act of depending on something as a primary source of support.

feeding on

Specifically refers to obtaining nourishment or sustenance from a particular source.

inhabiting

Highlights the physical act of residing in a specific location or environment.

residing in

Focuses on the act of living in a place.

making a living in

Emphasizes earning money to sustain oneself in a particular location or profession.

FAQs

How do I use "living on" in a sentence?

Use "living on" to describe how someone is sustaining themselves, either literally (through food or resources) or figuratively (through hope or borrowed time). For example, "They are "living on savings"" or "He's "living on borrowed time"".

What can I say instead of "living on"?

You can use alternatives like "subsisting on", "dependent on", or "relying on" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "living on the hope" or "living on hope"?

While "living on the hope" isn't grammatically incorrect, "living on hope" is more common and idiomatic. The absence of the article "the" makes it sound more natural in most contexts.

What's the difference between "living on" and "living in"?

"Living on" typically indicates reliance or sustenance (e.g., "living on a budget"), whereas "living in" refers to a location or environment (e.g., "living in New York").