sustain that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustain that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something is true or can be supported or justified. For example: "I'm sure we can sustain that our proposal will have a positive impact on the local economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You couldn't sustain that".

The New York Times

But he could not sustain that form.

The New York Times - Sports

The market can sustain that".

The New York Times

We could not sustain that".

The New York Times

How can we sustain that?

The Guardian - Business

We have to sustain that momentum".

The New York Times

It's very difficult to sustain that".

The Guardian - Tech

And I ask you to sustain that hope.

The New York Times

This planet cannot sustain that mode of life," Chavez said.

The New Yorker

We simply can't sustain that sort of growth.

The New York Times

It's not possible to sustain that myth anymore".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sustain that" when you want to emphasize the continuation or maintenance of a specific condition, belief, or action. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what "that" refers to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "sustain that" when the referent of "that" is ambiguous or unclear. Always ensure the reader can easily identify what is being sustained to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sustain that" is a verb phrase acting as a transitive verb with a pronoun as its direct object. It expresses the act of maintaining or prolonging something previously mentioned or implied. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sustain that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for emphasizing the continuation or support of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it also sees use in "Science" and "Formal & Business" settings. To ensure clarity, always make sure that "that" refers to a specific and easily identifiable element in your writing. Alternatives like "maintain that" or "support that" can offer nuanced variations, but the core meaning remains consistent: maintaining or prolonging a particular state, belief, or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain that

Focuses on continuing to believe or assert something, rather than just supporting it.

uphold that

Implies actively defending or supporting something, often in the face of opposition.

support that

Emphasizes providing assistance or justification to keep something going.

continue that

Highlights the uninterrupted progression of something, without necessarily implying active support.

preserve that

Stresses the importance of keeping something in its original condition, often against forces of change.

retain that

Focuses on keeping possession of something, whether it is a belief, an ability, or a condition.

bolster that

Suggests strengthening or reinforcing something to ensure its continuation.

perpetuate that

Implies making something continue indefinitely, often referring to ideas or systems.

conserve that

Highlights the careful and efficient use of resources to ensure long-term availability or continuation.

nurture that

Suggests providing care and attention to help something grow or continue to thrive.

FAQs

How can I use "sustain that" in a sentence?

You can use "sustain that" to indicate the continuation or support of a particular state, belief, or action. For instance, "We must "sustain that" momentum to achieve our goals".

What are some alternatives to "sustain that"?

Alternatives include "maintain that", "uphold that", or "support that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "sustain that"?

Yes, "sustain that" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It follows standard English grammar rules when used to refer to a previously mentioned idea, action, or state.

In what contexts is "sustain that" most appropriate?

"Sustain that" is suitable in various contexts, including formal discussions, news reports, and academic writing, where the goal is to emphasize the need to continue or support something. It's particularly useful when you want to ensure something is maintained or prolonged.