self sufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self sufficient" is correct and usable in written English, although it is typically written as "self-sufficient" with a hyphen.
You can use it to describe someone or something that can provide for themselves without external assistance. Example: "After years of hard work, she became self-sufficient and no longer relied on her parents for financial support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We are pretty self sufficient.

The New York Times

Be more self sufficient.

WikiHow

Give your self sufficient writing time.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Humankind was self-sufficient.

The Economist

We are self-sufficient.

The Guardian

"It's very self-sufficient".

The New York Times

Kimolos is happily self-sufficient.

Independent

And she's been self-sufficient.

The New York Times - Books

He was completely self-sufficient".

The New York Times

Will America be self-sufficient?

The Economist

They felt self-sufficient.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a community or system, use "self-sufficient" to emphasize its independence from external resources or support. For example, "The eco-village aims to be completely "self sufficient" in energy and food production."

Common error

Avoid using "self sufficient" when you mean someone is only concerned with their own needs. "Self sufficient" describes independence, while "selfish" describes a lack of consideration for others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self sufficient" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their ability to operate or exist without external assistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self sufficient" is a grammatically correct and widely used adjective phrase that describes the capability of independence and the ability to provide for one's own needs without external assistance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness. While both "self sufficient" and "self-sufficient" (with a hyphen) are acceptable, the latter is more common in formal writing. The phrase appears frequently in diverse contexts, primarily in news, media, and wiki sources. To avoid confusion, ensure that "self sufficient" is not mistaken for "selfish", which implies a lack of concern for others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

independent

Focuses on the freedom from external control or influence, broader than just providing for basic needs.

self-reliant

Highlights the reliance on one's own powers and resources, emphasizing personal capability.

autonomous

Stresses the capacity for self-governance and decision-making, more about control than provision.

self-sustaining

Emphasizes the ability to maintain oneself or itself over time without external assistance, particularly in ecological or economic contexts.

self-supporting

Specifically indicates the capacity to provide for one's own financial needs.

resourceful

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties, implies ingenuity in self-sufficiency.

capable

Stresses the general ability to do things effectively and achieve results, which can contribute to self-sufficiency.

independent means

Specifically refers to having enough wealth to live without working.

able to stand on one's own two feet

An idiom emphasizing the ability to be independent and manage life without help.

succeed without assistance

Highlights the act of achieving success without help, focusing on the outcome of self-sufficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "self sufficient" in a sentence?

You can use "self sufficient" to describe someone or something that can provide for its own needs without external help. For example: "The farm is "self sufficient" in producing its own vegetables".

What's the difference between "self sufficient" and "self-reliant"?

"Self sufficient" implies the ability to provide all necessary resources for oneself, while "self-reliant" focuses on the ability to depend on one's own capabilities and resources to manage life independently.

What are some synonyms for "self sufficient"?

Alternatives to "self sufficient" include "independent", "self-sustaining", and "autonomous". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "self sufficient" or "self-sufficient"?

Both "self sufficient" and "self-sufficient" are acceptable, though "self-sufficient" with a hyphen is more common in formal writing. Both forms are widely understood and used.