check to check

USAGE SUMMARY

"check to check" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts related to financial transactions or comparisons. Example: "She moved from check to check, struggling to make ends meet." Alternative expressions include "paycheck to paycheck" and "check by check."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

I live check to check.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We're cash-poor, and we live from check to check".

The New York Times

Some veterans live check to check, they noted.

The Washington Post

"We grew up on the low side of San Antonio, living check to check.

The New York Times

She is back at work now, trying to save, still living check to check.

The New York Times

"I watched the first two weeks to, er... check". To check they weren't funnier?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

But despite a $7,000 publishing advance, I was still living check to-check.

Johns Hopkins University

My lack of earnings has been a contributing factor into our check-to-check lifestyle, and I think I can speak for both of us that it will bring us a lot more security with we have the balance of two earners so financial planning will seem less risky.

The Guardian - Money

They are living check-to-check.

Huffington Post

If America's biggest cities, where job growth has been concentrating for years, can't offer anything beyond check-to-check living, the entire country is sleepwalking into a crisis.

HuffPost

If America's biggest cities, where job growth has been concentrating for years, can't offer anything beyond check-to-check living, the entire country is sleepwalking into a crisis.  .

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal finances or socioeconomic issues, using the phrase "check to check" can provide a relatable and concise way to describe a situation where income is immediately used to cover expenses, leaving little to no savings.

Common error

Avoid presenting "check to check" as a viable long-term financial strategy. It describes a state of financial instability, not a method for managing money effectively. Frame it as a challenge to overcome rather than a desirable situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check to check" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs like 'live' or 'exist' to describe how someone manages their finances. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and widely used. This phrase highlights a state of financial precarity, where individuals are dependent on each subsequent payment to cover immediate expenses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "check to check" is a common and correct idiom used to describe a precarious financial state where income is immediately spent on expenses, leaving little to no savings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage. It functions as an adverbial phrase, adding context to verbs like 'live' or 'exist'. While prevalent in news and media, denoting a neutral to informal register, it’s a potent descriptor of financial instability. Alternatives include "living paycheck to paycheck" or "barely making ends meet". Understanding this phrase is important for discussing socioeconomic issues and personal finance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

living paycheck to paycheck

This alternative is focused on the most common way to receive income. It is one of the best alternatives.

hand-to-mouth existence

This emphasizes the precariousness and uncertainty of the financial situation.

barely making ends meet

This focuses on the struggle to cover basic expenses.

on the breadline

Implies a state of near poverty.

scraping by

Describes managing to survive with very little money.

living on the edge

This refers to the brink of financial ruin.

one crisis away from disaster

Highlights the vulnerability to unexpected expenses or loss of income.

in dire straits

This refers to a difficult or dangerous situation, particularly because of a lack of money.

financially strapped

Focuses on the lack of available funds.

struggling financially

Simply indicates difficulty in managing finances.

FAQs

What does it mean to live "check to check"?

Living "check to check" means that you are using nearly all of your income from each paycheck to cover immediate expenses, with little or no money left over for savings or unexpected costs. It signifies a state of financial vulnerability.

What are some common causes of living "check to check"?

Common causes include low wages, high cost of living, unexpected expenses, debt, and lack of financial planning. These factors can make it difficult to save money and create a financial buffer.

How can I stop living "check to check"?

Strategies include creating a budget, reducing expenses, increasing income, paying down debt, and building an emergency fund. Seeking financial counseling can also provide personalized guidance.

What are some alternative phrases to "check to check"?

You can use alternatives like "living paycheck to paycheck", "barely making ends meet", or "hand-to-mouth existence" to describe a similar financial situation.