subsisting on

USAGE SUMMARY

"subsisting on" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is usually used to mean "living on or surviving on" something, such as food or income. For example, "Many people in developing countries are subsisting on only a few dollars a day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a desperate and frustrated group, subsisting on one meal a day, mainly pasta, provided by a local aid group.

BBC

The one who'd been subsisting on Yoplait and radishes was in the bathroom, changing her hair color again.

The New Yorker

Unless Mr. Singer lives in a shack, subsisting on gruel, water, a typewriter and one kidney, I'm sure he agrees.

The New York Times

She's subsisting on cereal!

The New York Times - Style

"Perhaps Nick is subsisting on smugness".

The New Yorker

Subsisting on mildew, it surely feasts in our forest.

The New York Times

At 253 Schermerhorn there is an office providing food stamps to those subsisting on Social Security.

The New York Times

(A contemporary newspaper account described survivors of that storm subsisting on drowned rabbit).

The New Yorker

It doomed East Africa's wandering herders, subsisting on milk mixed with cow blood.

The New York Times - Health

She arrived at the shoot still weak, subsisting on a diet of soup.

The New Yorker

She locates the desperation inside the housewife subsisting on tabloid fantasies in Amanda McBroom's "Dreaming".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where resources are limited, use "subsisting on" to highlight the act of surviving with minimal provisions.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "subsisting on", which means surviving with limited resources, with "insisting on", which means demanding something. The context should make the intended meaning clear, but double-check your wording to avoid this error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subsisting on" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the means by which someone or something is surviving or maintaining themselves. It indicates the source of sustenance or the limited resources available. Ludwig examples demonstrate the phrase's use in describing various survival situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subsisting on" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe surviving with limited resources. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively conveys the state of individuals or groups relying on minimal provisions. While alternatives like "living off of" or "surviving on" exist, "subsisting on" provides a specific nuance that emphasizes a struggle for survival with limited means. When writing, avoid confusing it with similar-sounding phrases like "insisting on". Using "subsisting on" appropriately adds depth and accuracy to descriptions of resource scarcity and resilience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Living off of

Emphasizes the means of survival and can imply a more permanent arrangement.

Surviving on

Highlights the struggle for survival, often implying a difficult situation.

Existing on

Focuses on the bare minimum needed to stay alive.

Dependent on

Implies a reliance for support, but not necessarily for basic needs like food.

Relying on

Similar to 'dependent on' but with a stronger connotation of needing something.

Maintaining oneself on

A more formal way of saying 'surviving on', emphasizing self-sufficiency.

Feeding oneself with

Focuses specifically on the act of eating and sustenance.

Thriving on

Suggests not just surviving, but actually doing well because of something.

Eking out a living with

Implies a meager existence and a constant struggle to survive.

Getting by on

Indicates managing to survive with limited resources.

FAQs

How can I use "subsisting on" in a sentence?

You can use "subsisting on" to describe someone or something that is surviving on very little. For example, "The refugees were "subsisting on" meager rations of rice and water".

What are some alternatives to "subsisting on"?

Alternatives to "subsisting on" include "living off of", "surviving on", and "relying on". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "subsisting on" in formal writing?

Yes, "subsisting on" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing economic hardship, survival, or resource scarcity.

What is the difference between "subsisting on" and "living comfortably on"?

"Subsisting on" implies a minimal level of resources needed for survival, while "living comfortably on" suggests having more than enough resources to meet one's needs.