What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
live
Example
I want to live a long and healthy life. [live: verb]
Example
I live in New York City. [live: verb]
Example
The concert was amazing, it's always better to see a band live. [live: adverb]
survive
Example
The hiker was able to survive in the wilderness for three days before being rescued. [survive: verb]
Example
I don't know how I'm going to survive this difficult time. [survive: verb]
Example
The company was able to survive the economic downturn by adapting to new market conditions. [survive: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Live is a more common word than survive in everyday language. Live is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while survive is more limited in its usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between live and survive?
Both live and survive can be used in formal and informal contexts, but live is generally considered more neutral and appropriate for a wider range of situations.