be the breadwinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be the breadwinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the person in a household who earns the primary income to support the family. Example: "In many families, one partner may choose to be the breadwinner while the other takes care of the home and children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Sanbaare used to be the breadwinner in the family.

The Guardian

In Africa, the man's job is to be the breadwinner.

The Guardian

You can't be the breadwinner who makes your wife do everything in the house.

The New York Times - Arts

It's nice to be able to kick back and concentrate on writing and let her be the breadwinner".

Independent

Their initial arrangement was that she would be the breadwinner and he would stay home and take care of Homer.

The New York Times - Magazine

But his new endeavor hadn't been going so well, and his ability to be the breadwinner was in rapid decline.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

We're supposed to be the breadwinners and the providers, especially in our children's eyes.

The Guardian

The earning power of women is growing, and women are increasingly likely to be the breadwinners in their families.

The New York Times

Her father would say, Let's send our sons to school, because they will be the breadwinners.

The New York Times - Magazine

Women are forced to go out, be the breadwinners for families.

Huffington Post

I was the breadwinner, working at Aetna.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In financial planning or economic discussions, use "be the breadwinner" to denote the primary source of income for a household. Be mindful of using gender-neutral language when possible and appropriate, especially as societal norms shift.

Common error

Avoid assuming "be the breadwinner" automatically implies a specific gender. Acknowledge that anyone, regardless of gender, can fulfill this role in modern households.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be the breadwinner" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the role of the primary financial provider within a household. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing individuals who support their families financially. It's often used to discuss shifting gender roles and economic responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be the breadwinner" is a common expression used to describe the primary financial provider in a household. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. While traditionally associated with a specific gender, modern usage recognizes that anyone can "be the breadwinner". When writing, be mindful of potential gender biases and consider more formal alternatives like "be the primary income earner" in professional settings. Using it correctly involves acknowledging evolving societal roles and responsibilities within families.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be the primary provider

Focuses on the act of providing, emphasizing responsibility.

be the main income earner

Highlights the earning aspect, suitable for economic contexts.

be the financial support

Emphasizes the support aspect, often used when someone is reliant on that income.

be the family's source of income

A more descriptive phrase, useful in formal settings.

carry the financial burden

Highlights the weight of financial responsibility.

keep the family afloat

Implies a struggle to maintain financial stability.

be the economic engine

Suggests a driving force behind the family's financial wellbeing.

shoulder the financial responsibilities

Focuses on bearing the weight of financial duties.

be the household's economic foundation

A more formal and structural way to describe the role.

bring home the bacon

An idiomatic expression, less formal than "be the breadwinner".

FAQs

How to use "be the breadwinner" in a sentence?

You can use "be the breadwinner" to describe the person who earns the primary income for a family. For example, "After her husband lost his job, she had to "become the breadwinner"."

What can I say instead of "be the breadwinner"?

You can use alternatives like "be the primary provider", "be the main income earner", or "be the financial support" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "be the breadwinner" in formal writing?

While "be the breadwinner" is widely understood, in formal writing, consider using phrases like "be the primary income source" or "be the main financial contributor" for a more professional tone.

Does "be the breadwinner" imply a specific gender?

Traditionally, "be the breadwinner" was associated with men, but it's now understood to apply to anyone, regardless of gender, who is the primary income earner in a household. Avoid assuming the gender of the person who "be the breadwinner".