staying afloat

USAGE SUMMARY

"staying afloat" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something is managing to survive or remain financially stable despite challenges or difficulties. Example: The small business was struggling, but with careful budgeting and some strategic partnerships, they were able to stay afloat and eventually thrive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Most Iraqis were too busy staying afloat.

The Economist

Or, if you're a young enterprise, staying afloat?

The New York Times

Smaller funds with less-connected managers will have a tougher time staying afloat.

The New York Times

"Confidence and liquidity," his character will say later, is the key to staying afloat in business.

The New York Times

"Sadness Is a Blessing" was beautiful, but skeletal, barely staying afloat.

The New York Times - Arts

P & J is staying afloat by buying small shipments of oysters from other states.

The New Yorker

Now for the Indians, it is a matter of staying afloat.

The New York Times

Then there is the issue of environmental groups' staying afloat in recessionary times.

The New York Times - Science

As hard as they work, Brendan and Tess have trouble staying afloat.

The New York Times

If there is any sector staying afloat, the midyear reports indicated, it is the industrial market.

The New York Times

Winning the awards has been vital for staying afloat this year.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "staying afloat" to convey the idea of managing to survive or maintain a position, especially in challenging circumstances such as financial difficulties or competitive environments. It suggests a precarious balance and ongoing effort.

Common error

Avoid using "staying afloat" to describe thriving or excelling; it implies merely surviving, not prospering. For instance, don't say "The company is staying afloat with record profits"; instead, use a phrase that reflects success, such as "The company is thriving."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "staying afloat" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun in a sentence. It typically describes the act of managing to survive or maintain a position, particularly in difficult circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "staying afloat" is a commonly used gerund phrase that conveys the sense of managing to survive or maintain a position, particularly amidst challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage is widespread across news and media, business, and general contexts. While interchangeable with phrases like "remaining solvent" or "keeping one's head above water", it is important to avoid using it in situations where the subject is thriving rather than merely surviving. By understanding its nuances and proper context, writers can effectively use "staying afloat" to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeping afloat

Similar meaning but uses a different verb tense.

keeping one's head above water

Emphasizes the struggle to avoid being overwhelmed by difficulties.

treading water

Suggests expending effort just to maintain the current position without progress.

remaining solvent

Focuses specifically on maintaining financial stability.

weathering the storm

Suggests enduring a difficult period and emerging on the other side.

managing to survive

Highlights the act of actively coping to stay alive or functional.

holding out

Implies resisting pressure or hardship until a positive change occurs.

surviving

A more general term indicating continued existence despite adverse conditions.

making ends meet

Specifically refers to balancing income and expenses.

scraping by

Implies a minimal level of sustenance and a hand-to-mouth existence.

FAQs

How to use "staying afloat" in a sentence?

You can use "staying afloat" to describe a person, business, or organization that is managing to survive despite facing difficulties. For example: "The small business was struggling, but with careful budgeting, they were able to keep "staying afloat"".

What can I say instead of "staying afloat"?

You can use alternatives like "remaining solvent", "keeping one's head above water", or "managing to survive" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "staying afloat" or "staying above water"?

Both "staying afloat" and "staying above water" are correct and convey a similar meaning. However, "staying afloat" is more commonly used in figurative contexts, such as financial or business situations, while "staying above water" may be used more literally or in contexts involving physical survival.

What's the difference between "staying afloat" and "thriving"?

"Staying afloat" implies merely surviving or maintaining a precarious balance, while "thriving" suggests flourishing and experiencing significant growth or success. "Staying afloat" is about survival, while "thriving" is about prosperity.