they sustained me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they sustained me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that someone or something provided support, encouragement, or nourishment during a difficult time. Example: "During my toughest moments, I found solace in my friends; they sustained me through my struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"They weren't very good, but they sustained me," she says.

The New York Times - Magazine

The ordinary pleasures of raising children are not often talked about, because they are unspectacular and leave no lasting trace, but they sustained me for years as our boys grew and flourished, and they continue to sustain me now.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Why do they sustain me so, cheer me up, remind me of life?

The New Yorker

They showered me with love and support when he was in the hospital, and since he's been gone, they sustain me and have kept me sane.

Huffington Post

They will sustain me always.

The New York Times

Those words sustained me.

The New Yorker

Your kindness has sustained me".

The Guardian

"Starting out, several things sustained me.

The Guardian - Arts

It has sustained me and overwhelmed me in equal measure.

The Guardian - Sport

"Your strength has sustained me," he declared in one letter.

The New Yorker

It is precisely that faith that has always sustained me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they sustained me" to express gratitude for the ongoing support you received during a difficult time. It effectively communicates the vital role others played in your resilience.

Common error

Avoid using singular pronouns with "sustained". Ensure the subject is plural ("they", "friends", "family") to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they sustained me" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It expresses a personal experience of receiving support or sustenance from a group of people. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they sustained me" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to convey gratitude and acknowledge the support received from others during difficult times. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, and serves to highlight the importance of reliance on others for strength and perseverance. When writing, remember to maintain subject-verb agreement and consider alternative phrases like "they supported me" or "they helped me through" for nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they supported me

Emphasizes the provision of assistance and help during a challenging period.

they upheld me

Highlights the act of providing moral or emotional support, preventing someone from faltering.

they encouraged me

Focuses on the act of instilling confidence and motivation in someone.

they gave me strength

Highlights how a source provided the energy to cope with a difficult situation.

they were my rock

Implies a source of stability and unwavering support.

they were a lifeline

Expresses being rescued or kept alive during a dire situation.

they nourished me

Similar to sustained but less popular, underlines the feeling of emotional well-being.

they fortified me

Highlights how a source made someone stronger, more resilient.

they bolstered me

Emphasizes the act of reinforcing and strengthening someone's spirit or resolve.

they lifted me up

Focuses on the act of improving someone's mood or spirits.

FAQs

What does "they sustained me" mean?

The phrase "they sustained me" means that a group of people provided support, encouragement, or resources that helped you endure a difficult time.

What can I say instead of "they sustained me"?

You can use alternatives like "they supported me", "they helped me through", or "they gave me strength" depending on the specific context.

Is "they sustained me" grammatically correct?

Yes, "they sustained me" is grammatically correct. The plural pronoun "they" correctly corresponds with the plural verb form "sustained".

How do I use "they sustained me" in a sentence?

You can use "they sustained me" to express gratitude or acknowledge the support you received, such as, "During my illness, my family sustained me with their unwavering love and care."