procure sustenance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "procure sustenance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is referring to obtaining food or resources necessary for survival or nourishment. Example: "During the long journey, the travelers had to stop frequently to procure sustenance from local markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

To procure sustenance he was forced at times to do the humblest manual labour, and the hardships then endured injured his health.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And how was such necessary sustenance procured?

The Guardian - Books

In the event of this information being accurate, we ask this government to waive said restrictions so as to enable us to procure requisite acreage for our sustenance and well-being. . . .

The New Yorker

Sustenance and titillation.

Independent

Third, procure.

Harvard Business Review

But first: sustenance.

The New York Times

We needed the sustenance.

The New York Times - Travel

Sustenance is necessary.

The New York Times - Sports

Sustenance is key.

The Guardian

Winter sustenance, easily acquired.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is literature as sustenance.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "procure sustenance" in formal writing or historical contexts to add a sense of gravity or tradition to the acquisition of essential resources.

Common error

Avoid using "procure sustenance" in everyday conversations. It can sound stilted and out of place in informal settings, where simpler phrases like "get food" or "find something to eat" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "procure sustenance" functions as a verb-noun construction, where "procure" acts as a transitive verb (requiring an object) and "sustenance" serves as the direct object. It describes the action of obtaining essential resources, often for survival. Ludwig examples show its use in historical and formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "procure sustenance" is a formal way to describe the act of obtaining essential resources, particularly food and nourishment. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct but relatively rare in contemporary usage, predominantly appearing in academic and news media contexts. Its formality makes it suitable for historical narratives or formal reports, but less so for everyday conversation. Alternatives like "obtain nourishment" or "secure provisions" can offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. While grammatically sound, it is important to consider the context in which the phrase is used to ensure the tone aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

procure provisions

Synonymous replacement, maintains a slightly more formal tone than other options.

find sustenance

Highlights the act of locating or discovering sources of support and nourishment.

seek nourishment

Emphasizes the active process of searching for what is needed to stay alive and healthy.

gain sustenance

Emphasizes the act of receiving or benefiting from sources of nourishment.

obtain nourishment

Focuses specifically on acquiring food or nutrients for health and growth.

acquire necessities

Emphasizes getting essential items needed for living, broadening beyond just food.

gather resources

Focuses on collecting materials and supplies from the environment.

secure provisions

Implies making sure there is a stock or supply of food and other essentials available.

attain food

Similar to "get food" but with a slightly more sophisticated and formal tone.

get food

A simple and direct way of referring to obtaining food, lacking the formality of the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "procure sustenance" in a sentence?

You can use "procure sustenance" to describe obtaining necessary food or resources. For example, "During their travels, they had to procure sustenance from the local markets."

What are some alternatives to "procure sustenance"?

Alternatives include "obtain nourishment", "acquire necessities", or "secure provisions" depending on the context.

Is "procure sustenance" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "procure sustenance" is quite formal. In everyday conversations, it's better to use simpler terms like "get food" or "find something to eat".

What's the difference between "procure sustenance" and "obtain food"?

"Procure sustenance" is more formal and suggests a deliberate effort to acquire what's needed for survival. "Obtain food" is more general and can refer to any means of getting food.