"feed on it" vs "feed from it"

Question

"feed on it" vs "feed from it"

Both "feed on it" and "feed from it" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "Feed on it" is commonly used when talking about animals or organisms consuming something, while "feed from it" is used when referring to deriving something beneficial from a source.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used when talking about animals or organisms consuming food or nutrients from a source. It implies a direct consumption or utilization of the resource.

Examples:

The lions feed on the carcass.
The bacteria feed on organic matter in the soil.
The vampire bats feed on blood.
The caterpillars feed on the leaves of the plant.
The birds feed on insects.

Alternatives:

consume it
eat it
devour it
nourish themselves from it
subsist on it

This phrase is used when talking about deriving something beneficial, such as nutrients, energy, or information, from a source. It implies a more indirect or secondary relationship with the resource.

Examples:

The company feeds from the success of its products.
He feeds from the wisdom of his elders.
The plant feeds from the nutrients in the soil.
The artist feeds from the emotions of the audience.
The team feeds from the support of their fans.

Alternatives:

derive from it
gain from it
benefit from it
draw from it
take from it

Answer 1

feed on it

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to animals or organisms consuming something.

Answer 2

feed from it

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to deriving something beneficial from a source.

"feed on it" vs "feed from it"

feed on it

feed from it

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