sustainably

USAGE SUMMARY

"sustainably" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adverb usually used to describe how something is being done or how something is happening. Example sentence: We are working to build a business sustainably to ensure lasting success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Communities are required to complete plans for sustainable water management by 2020, but not to manage their water sustainably until 2040.

The Economist

March's challenge: Reducing food waste April's challenge: Cutting your energy use May's challenge: Reducing your rubbish June's challenge: Improving health and wellbeing July's challenge: Saving water August's challenge: Sourcing sustainably The Live Better Challenge is funded by Unilever; its focus is sustainable living.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Related: New year's resolutions: quitting your job, cooking from scratch and shopping sustainably Disconnecting It's incredibly tough for a journalist to disconnect from technology.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But it's better to eat sustainably from afar than unsustainably from home waters," he insists.

The Guardian

We are also united in believing such action should recognise the vital roles of natural gas and carbon pricing in helping to meet the world's demand for energy more sustainably".

The Guardian - Business

The initial investment by central or local government is repaid either through sales on the open market, or more sustainably, through rents in the social rented sector.

The Guardian

Japanese officials declined to comment on specifics ahead of the ruling, but a fisheries agency official said it maintained the view that "Japan's whaling is purely for the purposes of obtaining scientific data, so that whale resources can be sustainably maintained".

The Guardian

But neither can make a sustainably moral case for keeping these stats private.

The Guardian

The industry primarily uses old-growth timber but Denman said it was harvested sustainably on a small scale.

The Guardian

A Japanese official told AFP: "Japan's whaling is purely for the purposes of obtaining scientific data, so that whale resources can be sustainably maintained".

The Guardian

We're met after the hour's crossing to Delft by Father David, a leading light in attempts to develop the island ethically and sustainably.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, using "sustainably" highlights the importance of methodologies that minimize environmental impact and preserve resources for future research and application.

Common error

Avoid using "sustainably" as a mere buzzword without concrete actions or measurable outcomes. Always provide specific details on how sustainability is achieved to maintain credibility and avoid accusations of greenwashing.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "sustainably" primarily functions to modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs, indicating that an action is performed or a quality is maintained in a manner that supports long-term ecological balance, economic viability, and social equity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as an adverb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustainably" is a very common adverb used to describe actions performed in a manner that considers long-term environmental, economic, and social impacts. Ludwig AI confirms it follows standard grammar rules. It's frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. To ensure clear and effective communication, it is recommended to provide specific details on how sustainability is achieved and avoid overuse as a mere buzzword. Alternatives like "in an environmentally responsible manner" or "with long-term viability" can be used for variety. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist underscores its importance in contemporary discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an environmentally responsible manner

Focuses specifically on the environmental aspect of sustainability.

with long-term viability

Highlights the ability to continue or last for a long time.

in a way that conserves resources

Emphasizes the preservation of resources for future use.

in an ecologically sound manner

Focuses on the ecological impact and health of ecosystems.

with minimal environmental impact

Highlights reducing the negative effects on the environment.

in a manner that ensures ecological balance

Emphasizes maintaining balance within ecological systems.

in a resource-efficient way

Highlights the efficient use of resources to minimize waste.

in a way that supports future generations

Emphasizes the intergenerational responsibility of sustainability.

in an enduring fashion

Implies a method that is intended to last or continue.

with a focus on regeneration

Highlights the ability to restore and renew resources.

FAQs

How can I use "sustainably" in a sentence?

Use "sustainably" to describe actions or processes that are environmentally, economically, and socially responsible in the long term. For example, "We aim to manage our forests "sustainably" to ensure their health for future generations."

What are some alternatives to the word "sustainably"?

You can use alternatives such as "in an environmentally responsible manner", "with long-term viability", or "in a way that conserves resources" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what is being sustained when using "sustainably"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what is being sustained (e.g., "sustainably managed forests") provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your message. Without specification, the reader may be left wondering what exactly is being maintained or supported in the long run.

What is the difference between "sustainably" and "efficiently"?

"Efficiently" refers to achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. "Sustainably", on the other hand, encompasses a broader scope that includes environmental and social responsibility, ensuring that resources are used in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.