sustains on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustains on" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not a commonly used expression and may confuse readers. Example: "The project sustains on the support of its community."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This limited area, which sustains on the average 8 persons per acre (20 per hectare), is, however, highly fertile and is cropped more than once a year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What sustains on TV is when you have a group of people that you see yourself reflected in, doing things that mirror your life".

The New York Times

Besides the dozens of horses, many of them retired police horses, she sustains on her farm, she supplies a feed-assistance program that is helping five other horses stay with their owners.

The New York Times

Once the system is stabilized, Ar is turned off and the metal plasma sustains on its own.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Andrew and Summer are rescued separately, and Natasha has no idea of the reason why Andrew was in the house - he was cheating on her with Summer!" After the rescue, Natasha has to come to terms with the fact she will be scarred from a burn she sustains on her neck.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The 'Practical Inquiry model' was useful in facilitating a sustained on-topic discourse involving critical thinking.

Computers & Education

"Our family is sustained on game meat, one hundred percent".

The New York Times - Travel

Happy marriages crash and bad ones are sustained on this alone.

The New Yorker

Bob Thomas, 77, from Caernarfon died from injuries sustained on Wednesday.

The Guardian

That becomes serious, if he is sustained on that.

The New Yorker

Defender Chris Cohen is nursing a knee injury sustained on Saturday.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how something is supported or maintained, consider using more common and grammatically sound alternatives like "depends on" or "relies on" for clarity and accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "sustains on" in formal writing or when aiming for precision, as it's not a standard English expression and may confuse readers. Opt for clearer alternatives like "depends on" or "is supported by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustains on" functions as a verb phrase with a preposition, attempting to describe how something is supported or maintained. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "sustains on" appears in some contexts, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect in standard written English. It attempts to convey the idea of support or dependence, but clearer and more accepted alternatives like "depends on" or "relies on" are recommended. These alternatives ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. Ludwig's analysis reveals that although the phrase appears in various sources including news and science, its limited and questionable usage suggests it should be avoided in formal contexts. It's best to opt for more conventional expressions to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depends on

This phrase emphasizes reliance for support or existence, shifting the focus from active sustenance to passive dependence.

relies on

Similar to "depends on", this phrase highlights dependence on something as a source of help or support.

is supported by

This alternative emphasizes the provision of assistance or resources, changing the direction of the action.

is maintained by

This phrase focuses on the act of keeping something in good condition or working order through ongoing effort.

feeds on

This alternative is suitable in contexts where the subject literally or figuratively consumes something for sustenance.

is nourished by

This emphasizes the provision of essential elements for growth or vitality, often in a figurative sense.

is fueled by

This alternative suggests that something is powered or driven by a particular source or factor.

is underpinned by

This phrase indicates that something is supported or based on a fundamental foundation or principle.

is contingent on

This highlights the conditional nature of support or existence, where something's continuation depends on specific circumstances.

draws sustenance from

This more formal phrase emphasizes the act of extracting necessary resources or support from a particular source.

FAQs

What does "sustains on" mean?

While not a standard English phrase, "sustains on" attempts to express the idea of something being supported or maintained by something else. It's generally better to use alternatives like "depends on" or "relies on".

Which is correct, "sustains on" or "depends on"?

"Depends on" is the grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase to use when indicating that something is reliant on something else. "Sustains on" is not standard English.

What are some alternatives to "sustains on"?

Instead of "sustains on", you can use phrases like "relies on", "is supported by", or "is maintained by", depending on the context.

How can I use "depends on" in a sentence?

You can use ""depends on"" in a sentence like this: "The success of the project depends on the support of the community."