earn a fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earn a fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the idea of making a lot of money in a short amount of time. For example: "He was sure that his new business venture would earn him a fortune."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Many economists supplement their academic earnings by appearing in court as expert witnesses, and consultancies earn a fortune by advising governments on economically efficient law-making.It should be noted, though, that the "economics" of the law-and-economics movement is a specific sort of economics, with an orthodox free-market flavour.

The Economist

"In the past, you could earn a fortune".

The Guardian

Any lawyer or economist who knows about antitrust will earn a fortune from increased activity.

The Economist

I remember saying, "But you'll earn a fortune as a doctor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If included on the posthumous release, Will.I.Am would earn a fortune in royalties.

The Guardian - Music

7. The advert in the shop window says you could earn a fortune working from home stuffing envelopes.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Earning a fortune?

The Guardian - Money

He earned a fortune.

The Guardian - Books

Chinese companies are earning a fortune selling this surveillance technology.

The New York Times

Mr. DeBusk earned a fortune through a medical device company he founded, DeRoyal Industries.

The New York Times

But Gekko earns a fortune selling energy credits to notorious polluters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earn a fortune" when you want to express the idea of making a significant amount of money, often through skill, effort, or a successful venture.

Common error

Avoid using "earn a fortune" in contexts where the wealth is acquired through unethical or illegal means. The phrase typically implies legitimate means of wealth creation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earn a fortune" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, with 'earn' as the transitive verb and 'a fortune' as the direct object. Ludwig confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earn a fortune" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe acquiring substantial wealth through one's efforts, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is versatile enough for use in news, academic writing, and general conversation, maintaining a neutral tone. While "earn a fortune" typically implies legitimate wealth creation, it's important to consider the context to ensure the connotation aligns with the intended message. Related expressions include "make a killing" and "strike it rich", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a killing

Emphasizes rapid and substantial profit, often in a speculative venture. Connotation of aggression/ruthlessness.

strike it rich

Implies sudden and unexpected wealth, often through luck or discovery. Less formal.

make millions

Specifies the amount of money earned, emphasizing a high figure.

become wealthy

More general term for acquiring wealth, without necessarily implying speed or effort.

get rich

A simple and direct way to express becoming wealthy.

amass a wealth

Suggests gradual accumulation of riches over time. More formal.

gain riches

A formal way of describing the process of becoming rich.

build an empire

Suggests creating a vast and profitable business or organization. Broader scope than just personal wealth.

reap a windfall

Highlights the unexpected nature of financial gain, often through inheritance or luck.

line your pockets

Suggests enriching oneself, often at the expense of others or through unethical means. Has a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "earn a fortune" in a sentence?

You can use "earn a fortune" to describe someone who makes a lot of money through their job, business, or investments. For example, "She hopes to "earn a fortune" with her new tech startup".

What can I say instead of "earn a fortune"?

You can use alternatives like "make a killing", "strike it rich", or "become wealthy" depending on the context.

Is it always positive to say someone "earned a fortune"?

While generally positive, the perception can depend on how the fortune was made. If someone "earned a fortune" through ethical means, it's usually seen as admirable. However, if the methods are questionable, it can be viewed negatively.

What's the difference between "earn a fortune" and "inherit a fortune"?

"Earn a fortune" implies that the wealth was acquired through one's own efforts, while "inherit a fortune" means the wealth was passed down through family.