to be self-sufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be self-sufficient" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability to provide for oneself without external assistance or support. Example: "In order to thrive in the wilderness, one must learn to be self-sufficient and resourceful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This forced Ikaria to be self-sufficient.

The New York Times - Magazine

We need to be self-sufficient.

The New York Times

Visitors need to be self-sufficient, too.

Independent

Regulators require each to be self-sufficient.

The New York Times

"We used to be self-sufficient here.

The Guardian

In business, Meade learned to be self-sufficient.

The New York Times - Sports

They built a cabin and strove to be self-sufficient.

The New Yorker

Of course, he'd like it to be self-sufficient.

The Guardian - Business

I learned very quickly to be self-sufficient.

The New York Times

It is important for these children to be self-sufficient.

The New York Times

People in remote areas can learn to be self-sufficient.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about communities or nations, use "to be self-sufficient" to underscore economic independence and reduced reliance on external aid.

Common error

Avoid using "to be self-sufficient" in contexts that imply complete isolation or rejection of collaboration. Self-sufficiency often involves strategic partnerships and resource management, not complete detachment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be self-sufficient" functions primarily as an adjective phrase describing the condition or state of being able to provide for oneself without external assistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be self-sufficient" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe independence and the ability to provide for oneself. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across a variety of contexts, primarily in news and media, reflecting its relevance to discussions about personal, economic, and societal resilience. While synonyms like ""to be independent"" and ""to be self-reliant"" offer similar meanings, understanding the subtle differences in emphasis is crucial for precise communication. Remember that while self-sufficiency is generally desirable, it should not be confused with complete isolation or a rejection of collaboration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be independent

Emphasizes freedom from external control or influence.

to be self-reliant

Highlights reliance on one's own powers and resources.

to be autonomous

Stresses self-governance and the ability to function without external rules.

to be self-sustaining

Focuses on the capacity to maintain oneself over time without depleting resources.

to be self-supporting

Implies financial independence and the ability to earn one's own living.

to stand on one's own two feet

An idiomatic expression emphasizing independence and resilience.

to be resourceful

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

to be capable

Emphasizes competence and the ability to handle situations effectively.

to be provisioned

Focuses on the aspect of supply and resources available.

to be adequate

Focuses on the aspect of being sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "to be self-sufficient" in a sentence?

You can use "to be self-sufficient" to describe individuals, communities, or even countries that can provide for their own needs without relying heavily on external support. For instance, "The goal of the program is to help families "to become self-sufficient"".

What are some alternatives to saying "to be self-sufficient"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to be independent", "to be self-reliant", or "to be self-sustaining". These alternatives emphasize different aspects of independence and resourcefulness.

Is it always a good thing to be self-sufficient?

While self-sufficiency is often seen as a positive trait, it's important to recognize the value of interdependence and collaboration. Extreme self-sufficiency can sometimes lead to isolation and missed opportunities for growth and shared resources.

What's the difference between "to be self-sufficient" and "to be self-sustaining"?

"To be self-sufficient" generally refers to the ability to provide for one's own needs, while ""to be self-sustaining"" emphasizes the ability to maintain oneself over time without depleting resources. Self-sustainability often implies a longer-term perspective and a focus on environmental or economic stability.