What are the definitions of “live with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Accept something unpleasant.
It's hard to LIVE WITH the pain of a serious illness.
- 2Have a relationship and live in the same place without marrying.
I LIVED WITH her for a couple of years before the relationship went sour.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “live with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb live with is to accept something unpleasant or difficult, such as a situation or condition, and learn to deal with it. It can also mean to share a living space with someone, often in a romantic relationship, without being married.
What are the different verb forms of “live with”?
| Root Verb | live with |
| Third Person Singular Present | lives with |
| Present Participle | living with |
| Simple Past | lived with |
| Past Participle | lived with |
Example
She has to live with the consequences of her actions.
Example
He lives with his girlfriend in a small apartment.
Example
They are living with the challenges of raising a child with special needs.
Example
I lived with my best friend during college.
Example
She has lived with her partner for five years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “live with”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“live with” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He lives with his parents.
Example
She lives with the pain every day.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“live with” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He lives with his parents.
Example
She lives with the pain every day.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “live with”?
Good things to know
Does “live with” have an informal or formal tone?
Live with is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
