source of sustenance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "source of sustenance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most often used in the context of something that provides nourishment or is essential for life, such as food, shelter, or water. For example, "The local farmers provide much of the community's source of sustenance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not always fresh or a reliable source of sustenance.

The Guardian

For them, Mr. Shajahan was a source of sustenance.

The New York Times

People in Arab countries have always relied on bread as a low-cost source of sustenance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Remarkably, Mr. Haggard turns out to have discovered another source of sustenance: psychotherapy.

The New York Times - Arts

Here the bloody mary, too, is an obvious source of sustenance.

The Washington Post

"The source of sustenance for the mice, it turned out, was the wall credenza of the healthy dieter.

The New York Times

Traditionally inhabiting rainforest as hunter-gatherers, their animist beliefs centre on protecting nature as their only source of sustenance.

The Guardian

The pro-ams are the bloodline of the tour, the primary source of sustenance for its sponsors.

The New York Times - Sports

The nomadic herders' one source of sustenance and income - their cattle - perished with nothing to eat and nothing to drink.

Independent

As consumers – organisms that obtain energy by eating other organisms – we rely on plants as a major source of sustenance.

Columbia University

Sheep are not only a source of sustenance in Kyrgyzstan but also sacred creatures that were for centuries at the center of tribal life.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "source of sustenance", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being sustained and the nature of the sustenance provided. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your message is clearly understood.

Common error

Avoid using "source of sustenance" to describe things that are merely helpful or beneficial but not fundamentally necessary for survival or continuation. Stick to contexts where the element is critical, not just advantageous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of sustenance" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies what provides essential support, nourishment, or means of survival. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and used to indicate something crucial for maintaining life or existence. Examples show it applying to food, resources, and even abstract concepts like faith or psychotherapy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "source of sustenance" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that identifies something essential for survival or maintenance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and diverse applicability. It appears frequently across news media, academia, and scientific publications. The phrase conveys the critical importance of the identified source. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being sustained and the nature of the sustenance. Alternatives such as "means of survival" or "lifeblood" may be suitable depending on the specific context. Avoid misattributing non-essential elements as a "source of sustenance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

means of survival

Focuses on the basic requirements for continuing to live, highlighting the life-sustaining aspect.

lifeblood

Implies something vital and essential for the existence or success of something.

primary resource

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the resource in providing what is needed.

essential provision

Highlights the act of providing something necessary and fundamental.

sustaining element

Focuses on the component that keeps something in existence or maintains it.

vital support

Indicates something that offers crucial assistance or maintenance.

nutritional foundation

Specifically emphasizes the role of providing nourishment and dietary essentials.

basic necessity

Points out that something is absolutely needed and indispensable.

principal means of support

Stresses the main way in which something is maintained or kept functional.

fundamental sustenance

Reinforces the idea of sustenance as a basic and essential element.

FAQs

How can I use "source of sustenance" in a sentence?

You can use "source of sustenance" to describe anything that provides essential nourishment or support for life. For example: "Agriculture is a major "source of sustenance" for the region."

What can I say instead of "source of sustenance"?

You can use alternatives like "means of survival", "lifeblood", or "primary resource" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "source of sustenance" or "source for sustenance"?

"Source of sustenance" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Source for sustenance" is grammatically awkward and less idiomatic.

What's the difference between "source of sustenance" and "source of income"?

"Source of sustenance" refers specifically to what provides basic needs for survival, like food and water. "Source of income" refers to what provides financial resources, which can then be used to obtain sustenance and other things.