sustain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to maintain or support something over time, such as an action, condition, or process. Example: "To achieve long-term success, we must find ways to sustain our efforts and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So many grouse-guzzling hen harriers thriving in the area meant the grouse population was reduced too far to sustain a commercial shoot.

The Guardian

If it wishes to sustain public service broadcasting there needs to be certain things that help sustain it, that you trade for those [PSB] obligations and one of those things historically has been EPG prominence," he added.

The Guardian

On the Iraqi front, analysts say the US has to decide how many more victories by Isis it can sustain before increasing support to the underperforming Baghdad government forces on the ground.

The Guardian

We don't need to sustain clowning if clowning has become anachronistic.

The Guardian

This budget really throws off any hope that mining might sustain us.

The Guardian - Business

JH: But the problem is, how are the scriptwriters going to sustain all this?

The Guardian - Opinion

"In particular, I believe that we should be working closely together in identifying opportunities for building north-south economic development, and make sure that those opportunities become a reality in a way that will build jobs and sustain communities on both sides of the border," Gilmore said.

The Guardian

Instead I hold it secretly to sustain me".

The Guardian - Arts

"Mangroves sustain the people who sustain the mangroves," Pisit Charnsnah, the founder and director of Thailand's Yadfon Foundation, once said.

The Guardian

Levine says you have to play the long game: "If the journey is not the journey of your lifetime it is going to be very hard to sustain that".

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 1.22pm BST13:22 Vic Marks writes from Worcestershire Let me sustain the literary theme briefly.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about environmental issues, use "sustain" to emphasize the importance of maintaining ecological balance and resources for future generations.

Common error

Avoid using "sustain" when "support" or "maintain" more accurately reflect the intended meaning. "Sustain" implies a longer-term, more comprehensive effort to keep something viable or in existence.

Linguistic Context

The word "sustain" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the act of maintaining, supporting, or prolonging something. It can also function as a noun, describing a mechanism used to hold a note in music, as shown in Ludwig. It follows standard grammar rules, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Opinion

4%

Sport

4%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustain" is a versatile verb used to express the act of maintaining, supporting, or prolonging something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word adheres to standard grammar rules and is frequently encountered in diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "maintain", "support", and "preserve" exist, "sustain" often emphasizes a continuous and comprehensive effort. When writing, ensure that "sustain" accurately reflects the intended meaning of providing long-term viability or support. With its correct and consistent usage, "sustain" enriches written and spoken communication across various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain

Focuses more on keeping something in its current state without necessarily implying support or nourishment.

support

Highlights the act of providing assistance or resources to keep something functioning or existing.

uphold

Implies a more active defense or maintenance of a principle, law, or decision.

preserve

Emphasizes keeping something safe from harm or decay, often in its original condition.

continue

Indicates the ongoing nature of an action or state, without necessarily implying active effort.

prolong

Focuses on extending the duration of something, often implying a finite lifespan.

nourish

Specifically relates to providing sustenance or care for growth and development.

bolster

Suggests strengthening or reinforcing something that is already in place.

underpin

Highlights the foundational support that enables something to exist or function.

carry on

An idiomatic expression indicating the continuation of an activity, often despite difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "sustain" in a sentence?

You can use "sustain" to describe maintaining something over time, like "We need to find ways to "sustain economic growth"" or "The diet helped her "sustain energy levels" throughout the day".

What are some alternatives to "sustain"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "maintain", "support", "uphold", or "preserve" instead of "sustain".

Is it correct to say "sustain" instead of "maintain"?

While both words can be used to describe keeping something going, "sustain" often implies providing resources or support to ensure its continuation, whereas "maintain" focuses more on keeping something in its current state.

What's the difference between "sustain" and "support"?

"Sustain" suggests a continuous effort to keep something viable or functioning, while "support" can refer to providing temporary or intermittent assistance. To "sustain" something implies a longer-term commitment.