LIVE BY

National Parks

📖 Definition

To 'live by' means to conduct one's life according to certain principles, beliefs, or rules that they deem essential or crucial to their identity.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To 'live by' means to conduct one's life according to certain principles, beliefs, or rules that they deem essential or crucial to their identity.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The phrase cannot be split by other words.
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Neutral
Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
No
Does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple live by Many choose to live by ethical guidelines.
Past Simple lived by She lived by her principles her entire life.
Present Continuous living by He is living by the rules he set.
Present Perfect have lived by They have lived by these traditions for generations.

💡 When to Use

Adopting a belief system
Use when discussing how someone adheres to certain beliefs or values in their lifestyle.
Example: "She decided to live by her grandmother's teachings."
Discussing moral principles
Appropriate when emphasizing the importance of certain moral standards in a person's life.
Example: "He vowed to live by honesty and integrity."
Emphasizing lifestyle choices
Use when highlighting how someone's choices reflect their values or beliefs.
Example: "They live by a vegan diet for ethical reasons."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect phrase order
❌ Wrong: They have live by the law.
✅ Correct: They have lived by the law.
💡 Tip: Remember to conjugate the verb correctly.
Misplacement of words
❌ Wrong: She by her morals lives.
✅ Correct: She lives by her morals.
💡 Tip: Keep 'live by' together.
Misuse with direct object
❌ Wrong: She lives by her family members.
✅ Correct: She lives with her family members.
💡 Tip: Do not confuse with 'live with.'
Practice

LIVE BY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

adhere to abide by

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many choose to ___ by traditions passed down through generations."

lives with
live by
living for
lived beside

"To truly find fulfillment, one must live by principles that honor both their inner values and the needs of the world around them."

In Context

Mahatma Gandhi, born in 1869 in India, is renowned for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. As he matured, he decided to live by principles rooted in truth and nonviolence, which he termed 'Satyagraha.' This commitment defined his leadership during India's struggle for independence from British rule. Gandhi's philosophy not only guided his actions but also inspired millions worldwide. Throughout his life, he emphasized the importance of living by one’s values. For instance, he abstained from violence and material possessions, demonstrating how to live by simplicity in practice. His relentless pursuit of justice was illustrated in events like the Salt March of 1930, where he led thousands to protest the British salt monopoly, embodying his belief in peaceful resistance. By living by these steadfast principles, Gandhi not only achieved his personal goals but also profoundly impacted global civil rights movements. However, adopting such an approach brought significant challenges. Gandhi was frequently jailed, yet his resolve remained unshaken. Ultimately, living by his core principles played a crucial role in India gaining independence in 1947. Even after his assassination in 1948, Gandhi's legacy continued to inspire many, demonstrating the enduring power of living by unwavering moral grounds.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Live By

What is the origin of 'live by'?

+
The phrase 'live by' derives from Old English, using 'live' to denote existence and 'by' implying proximity or according to. It's been used since the 16th century to signify following personal principles or rules.

Can 'live by' be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'live by' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts because it simply refers to how someone conducts their life according to certain principles.

What is the difference between 'live by' and 'adhere to'?

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'Live by' is a broader term indicating living one's life according to beliefs or rules, whereas 'adhere to' is more about strict compliance or sticking to specific guidelines or rules.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

stick togo byabide bystand byhold on
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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