might be sustained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be sustained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of something being maintained or continued over time. Example: "The project's success might be sustained if we continue to invest in research and development."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The court there decided that the count in quantum meruit might be sustained, and refer with approbation to 14 Mass.

Harvard University

If that were all, the petitioner's contention that the federal question was raised at the earliest opportunity well might be sustained; but it is not all.

Cornell University

(Well, there are planes that might crash, injuries and illnesses that might be sustained, difficult languages and people one might need to negotiate).

The Guardian - Travel

The idea that a nation's morale and sense of identity might be sustained by restoring its structures and artefacts is anathema to the cult.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bye Bye Blackbird is taken at such a slow tempo you wonder how it might be sustained over the song's duration.

The Guardian - Music

But it makes no comment on which means, and which strategies, have secured this progress, or how it might be sustained and enlarged.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Lonergan is an atheist, but his work frequently explores how religious faith might be sustaining, or shaken by lived experience.

The New Yorker

That suggests that millions of people might be sustaining damage to their bodies.

Los Angeles Times

In nonresponding patients, other molecules, and thus different pathogenic pathways, might be sustaining the chronic inflammation.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

The aim of root canal treatment is to remove any remaining vital, apical tissue and the necrotic coronal portion of the pulp that might be sustaining and stimulating the resorbing cells via their blood supply, and to disinfect and obturate the root canal system [ 17].

BMC Oral Health

The proliferation of these might then be sustained by the nanocomposite itself, without the need for the sustained delivery of BMP-2.

Bone and Joint Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might be sustained", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being sustained and the conditions under which it can be maintained. For example: "The project's success might be sustained if we continue to invest in research and development".

Common error

Avoid using "might be sustained" in contexts where the possibility is purely speculative without any supporting evidence. Instead, ground your statements with realistic conditions or contributing factors to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be sustained" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or conditional probability of something being maintained or continued. As indicated by Ludwig, the expression is perfectly valid for expressing that something could or may be sustained.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "might be sustained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating the potential continuation or maintenance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the examples from the search results show its usage across various domains, including science, news, and academia. The phrase presents a degree of uncertainty, highlighting that continuation depends on certain conditions. Related phrases offer alternative ways to convey this idea, with subtle differences in meaning and emphasis. By understanding its nuances and avoiding overuse in purely speculative contexts, writers can effectively use this phrase to express conditional possibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be maintained

Replaces "might" with "could", suggesting a slightly lower degree of possibility or certainty.

may be upheld

Uses "may" instead of "might", indicating a similar level of possibility, and replaces "sustained" with "upheld", suggesting more of a confirmation or validation.

could be prolonged

Substitutes "sustained" with "prolonged", focusing on the extension of duration.

can be preserved

Replaces "might be sustained" with "can be preserved", indicating ability to maintain something in its original state.

may continue

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the continuation aspect with a similar degree of possibility.

could endure

Replaces "might be sustained" with "could endure", highlighting the ability to withstand or last.

can be supported

Emphasizes the availability of support necessary for the "might be sustained" process.

may be perpetuated

Offers a more formal alternative, emphasizing the continuation of something, often a system or idea.

could be carried on

Uses a phrasal verb to express the continuation of an activity or process.

may be kept up

Replaces "might be sustained" with "may be kept up", which is more informal.

FAQs

How can I use "might be sustained" in a sentence?

You can use "might be sustained" to express the possibility of something continuing or being maintained over time. For example, "The growth in renewable energy might be sustained with further government incentives."

What are some alternatives to "might be sustained"?

Alternatives include "could be maintained", "may be upheld", or "could endure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more formal: "might be sustained" or "could be maintained"?

"Might be sustained" and "could be maintained" are generally similar in formality. The choice depends on the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "might be sustained" and "might be supported"?

"Might be sustained" implies a continuation or maintenance of something already in existence, while "might be supported" suggests that something may receive the necessary assistance to exist or continue. For example, "the project might be sustained" refers to its continuation, while "the project might be supported" means it could receive funding or resources.