daily bread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "daily bread" is a commonly used and correct phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the basic necessities or essentials needed for daily life. Example: "John worked tirelessly to provide for his family, ensuring that they had their daily bread to sustain them." In this sentence, "daily bread" is used to indicate the basic sustenance and necessities that John's family needed to survive on a daily basis. It can also be used to refer to things like income, job security, or any other essential needs that are required for daily living.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His daily bread.

The Guardian - Books

They are Mexicans' daily bread.

The Economist

It was my daily bread.

The Guardian

"Our daily bread" meant "food".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is, literally, my daily bread.

The New York Times

The film was called "Our Daily Bread".

The New Yorker

OUR DAILY BREAD Opens today in Manhattan.

The New York Times

Give us this day our daily bread.

The New Yorker

"That would take away our daily bread".

The Guardian

"Bomb is our daily bread," he says casually.

The Economist

Don't take the bike — it's my daily bread.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "daily bread" to convey the idea of essential needs or sustenance, whether physical or spiritual. It's particularly effective when evoking a sense of reliance or basic necessity.

Common error

Avoid using "daily bread" solely for literal food. While it originated from a prayer for food, its modern usage often extends to encompass all necessities for living, including income, shelter, and spiritual nourishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "daily bread" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object or complement in a sentence. It denotes the essential provisions or sustenance required for daily living, whether physical or spiritual. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it signifies necessary income or food.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "daily bread" is a common and grammatically sound expression that signifies essential needs or sustenance, both physical and spiritual. As Ludwig highlights, it is widely used in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While originating from religious contexts, its contemporary usage extends to encompass necessities for living, including income and spiritual nourishment. To avoid misinterpretations, remember that it can refer to more than just literal food. Consider alternatives like "basic necessities" or "essential sustenance" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bread and butter

Similar idiom but slightly more colloquial.

basic necessities

Refers more broadly to essential requirements, not necessarily food-related.

essential sustenance

Emphasizes the life-sustaining aspect of the provision.

daily living essentials

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing essential items for living.

daily needs

A more general term for requirements.

means of survival

Highlights the critical importance for staying alive.

livelihood

Focuses on how someone earns their living.

source of income

Specifically refers to financial provision.

financial support

Broader term encompassing monetary assistance.

regular income

Focuses on consistent monetary earnings.

FAQs

How can I use "daily bread" in a sentence?

You can use "daily bread" to refer to essential sustenance or necessities. For example: "He works hard to earn his family's daily bread" or "Meditation is my daily bread for spiritual well-being".

What does "daily bread" mean in a spiritual context?

In a spiritual sense, "daily bread" refers to practices or experiences that nourish one's soul or spirit, such as prayer, meditation, or acts of kindness.

What can I say instead of "daily bread"?

You can use alternatives like "basic necessities", "essential sustenance", or "means of survival" depending on the context.

Is "daily bread" formal or informal?

"Daily bread" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts when referring to essential needs.