sustaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of maintaining or supporting something over time, often in contexts related to environmental, economic, or personal well-being. Example: "The organization focuses on sustaining local ecosystems through various conservation efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Economic growth must be sustainable and inclusive across rural and urban areas.Achieving and sustaining progress across the board depends on policies, institutions and investments that strengthen the assets, rights and capabilities of rural people and builds the infrastructure that they depend on.

The Economist

At the ferry port, we wait for hours in the afternoon sun, street sellers sustaining us with a steady supply of fried plantain crisps covered in mango syrup.

The Guardian - Travel

It's not a big budget film, and there is an aura of playful experimentation that seems to be sustaining the cast through the mud-spattered adversity.

The Guardian - Film

Streep and Roberts are not favourites to win their categories, so sustaining the film may prove a challenge, with further strong titles coming into cinemas.

The Guardian - Film

He was then the decisive factor in sustaining the Germans' dominance of the Yugoslavs, although he could not save his team from a 3-1 semi-final defeat by Sweden.

The Guardian

They may be right if their fears are that the interests sustaining the neoliberal system are too powerful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

After all, a rise in employment can make the recovery self-sustaining.

The Economist

Without going much further it is hard to see how the Iraqi economy, which currently depends heavily on American grants and subsidies, can be put on a self-sustaining path.The six state-owned banks, which comprise most of the banking sector, are still in a sorry state.

The Economist

Arresting people for smoking a harmless plant is not life-sustaining when they're self-medicating, but yet we sanction pharmaceuticals that sometimes have terrible side affects and are dangerous.

The Economist

Particularly at big labels such as Universal, A&R executives increasingly expect acts to have built a self-sustaining, if modest, business before they offer them a recording contract.Large numbers of Facebook friends and Twitter followers help show that a band has traction.

The Economist

It takes conventional wood fire only a few minutes to get pyrolysis into a self-sustaining cycle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing ongoing efforts to maintain something over time, use "sustaining" to emphasize the continuous and active support involved. For example: "sustaining economic growth".

Common error

While "maintaining" implies keeping something in its current state, "sustaining" suggests actively working to keep something going, often in the face of challenges. Always consider the level of effort involved.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sustaining" is as a present participle, often functioning as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe the act of maintaining or supporting something over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustaining" functions as a present participle emphasizing continuous effort to maintain or support something. Ludwig AI data confirms its frequent usage across news, business, and scientific contexts. When writing, use "sustaining" to highlight the ongoing actions necessary to preserve a particular state. Keep in mind it differs subtly from "maintaining", which simply implies keeping something as it is. Alternatives like "maintaining", "supporting", and "preserving" may be appropriate depending on the context. Based on available data "sustaining" is a correct and usable phrase in a wide array of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining

Focuses on keeping something in its current state, differing from "sustaining" which can imply active support.

supporting

Highlights the act of providing assistance or resources, whereas "sustaining" emphasizes long-term continuation.

preserving

Implies protecting something from harm or change, with "sustaining" focusing more on continuous existence.

upholding

Suggests maintaining standards or principles, while "sustaining" refers more broadly to continuous existence.

continuing

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of something, "sustaining" implies a level of effort to keep it going.

prolonging

Highlights extending the duration of something, differing from "sustaining" which implies active support throughout.

fuelling

Emphasizes providing energy or resources, whereas "sustaining" indicates a continuous process of support.

nourishing

Focuses on providing essential elements for growth or maintenance; "sustaining" is broader.

bolstering

Implies strengthening or reinforcing, where "sustaining" emphasizes keeping something in existence.

underpinning

Highlights the foundational support, while "sustaining" emphasizes the continuous act of maintaining.

FAQs

How to use "sustaining" in a sentence?

Use "sustaining" to describe an action that keeps something going or maintains it over time. For example: "The project focuses on "sustaining local ecosystems" through conservation efforts".

What can I say instead of "sustaining"?

You can use alternatives like "maintaining", "supporting", or "preserving" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "sustaining" and "maintaining"?

"Sustaining" implies an active effort to keep something going, often against challenges, while "maintaining" suggests keeping something in its current state. For example, "sustaining growth" requires active policies, whereas "maintaining infrastructure" involves routine upkeep.

Which is correct, "sustaining" or "sustainable"?

Both words are correct, but they have different meanings. "Sustaining" is a verb form, meaning to keep something going. "Sustainable" is an adjective describing something that can be maintained over time without depleting resources.