sustained by

USAGE SUMMARY

"sustained by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate something that is supported, maintained, or kept going. For example, "The project was sustained by a team of experienced engineers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Instead, it is sustained by peaceful coexistence.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are sustained by family and relationships.

The Guardian

After the 17th century this discipline was sustained by few.

The New York Times - Books

It's a war sustained by a merry-go-round.

The Guardian

Being sustained by cups of coffee and tins of chocolates.

The Guardian

Entire careers are sustained by repeated association with sexual perversion.

The Guardian - Music

The original, meanwhile, has been sustained by a different impulse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Every stock market spree is sustained by soothing illusions.

The New York Times

It needs to be supported and sustained by policymakers.

The Guardian

The definitive hipster was sustained by his privileged background.

The New York Times - Books

Tranmere's football is high-octane stuff sustained by sheer effort.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sustained by", ensure the subject receiving the sustenance is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Growth is sustained by innovation", specify "Economic growth is sustained by technological innovation".

Common error

Avoid using "sustained by" when active voice would be more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "The argument was sustained by evidence", a stronger statement would be "Evidence sustained the argument".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained by" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that something is being supported, maintained, or kept in existence by a specific factor or entity. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sustained by" is a versatile and commonly used passive construction indicating support or maintenance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in diverse contexts, notably News & Media and Science. While adaptable to formal and professional settings, its core function is to highlight the dependence of one thing on another. For clarity, ensure the recipient of sustenance is well-defined. Related phrases include "supported by" and "maintained by", each with nuanced meanings. Avoid overusing the passive voice; sometimes, an active voice provides greater impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supported by

Focuses on active backing or assistance, implying a more direct form of help than merely being maintained.

maintained by

Emphasizes the continuation or preservation of something, highlighting its upkeep rather than its initial source of support.

fueled by

Highlights the source that provides energy or impetus, often suggesting a driving force behind something's continuation.

underpinned by

Implies a foundational or underlying support system, suggesting a less visible but essential basis.

bolstered by

Suggests reinforcement or strengthening, indicating added support to something already in existence.

nourished by

Emphasizes the provision of essential elements for growth and development, often used in biological or metaphorical contexts.

powered by

Focuses on the energy source that enables operation or functionality, particularly in technological or mechanical contexts.

financed by

Specifically relates to monetary support, indicating the provision of funds for maintenance or operation.

driven by

Suggests a motivating or impelling force, highlighting the factor that propels action or progress.

facilitated by

Highlights the means or process that makes something easier or possible, indicating enabling support.

FAQs

How can I use "sustained by" in a sentence?

Use "sustained by" to indicate what provides support or maintenance. For example, "The community was "sustained by" the local farmers' market", meaning the community's well-being depended on the market.

What are some alternatives to "sustained by"?

You can use alternatives like "supported by", "maintained by", or "fueled by" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "sustained by" or "supported by"?

While both are similar, "sustained by" implies ongoing maintenance or endurance, whereas "supported by" often suggests more active or direct assistance. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize long-term viability or immediate help.

What's the difference between "sustained by" and "underpinned by"?

"Sustained by" indicates what keeps something going, while "underpinned by" suggests a foundational element. For example, a business is "sustained by" revenue, but underpinned by a solid business plan.