survive on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "survive on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of continuing to live or exist by relying on a particular resource or sustenance. Example: "During the harsh winter, the animals had to survive on whatever food they could find."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

How can one survive on that sum?

The New York Times

"Nobody can survive on $300".

The New York Times

They now survive on benefits.

Independent

Survive on veggies.

The New York Times

These are villagers that survive on smuggling".

The New York Times

Fortunately, we could survive on the savanna.

The New York Times - Books

Many people survive on subsistence farming.

The New York Times

"It's difficult to survive on that".

The New York Times

We cannot survive on them.

The New York Times

"You can't survive on this.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A waiter survives on his restaurant's leftovers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how people manage on limited income or resources, use "survive on" to highlight their resilience and ability to cope with difficult circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "survive on" when describing thriving or prospering; it's more appropriate for situations where existence is challenging or precarious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "survive on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the means or resources by which someone or something continues to live or exist. It emphasizes the ability to sustain life under specific conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "survive on" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe how someone or something manages to sustain life or existence, particularly with limited resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently used in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific discussions. When writing, use "survive on" to effectively convey resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. While alternatives like "subsist on" and "live off" exist, "survive on" is particularly effective when highlighting the ability to cope with difficult circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Subsist on

This alternative focuses on the minimal resources needed to maintain life.

Live off

This suggests a dependency on something for sustenance.

Depend on for survival

This emphasizes reliance on something for continued existence.

Get by on

This indicates managing with limited resources.

Make do with

This implies adapting to limited or inadequate resources.

Eke out a living with

This suggests struggling to earn a living from a particular source.

Rely on for sustenance

This highlights the reliance on something for providing nourishment.

Maintain oneself on

This offers a more formal way of describing how someone sustains themselves.

Exist on

This is a basic way of saying someone or something continues to be alive.

Find sustenance in

This focuses on finding nourishment or support in something specific.

FAQs

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

You can use "survive on" to indicate how someone or something manages to live or exist, especially with limited resources. For example, "They "survive on" a small pension" or "The plant can "survive on" very little water".

What can I say instead of "survive on"?

You can use alternatives like "live off", "subsist on", or "get by on" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "survive on" or "survive with"?

"Survive on" is used to describe the means by which someone lives or exists. "Survive with" would imply enduring something alongside something else, which is grammatically correct but has a different meaning.

What's the difference between "survive on" and "depend on for survival"?

"Survive on" focuses on the method of sustaining life, while "depend on for survival" emphasizes the reliance on something essential for continued existence.