earn his keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earn his keep" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically means that someone is performing work in return for the benefits they receive. For example, "The carpenter worked hard to earn his keep at the farm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

He worked hard on that farm to earn his keep.

The Washington Post

He had given up school in order to earn his keep.

The Guardian - Books

The overseas player is generally paid more than his peers and he has to earn his keep.

The Guardian - Sport

His yelping announces that his job is done and now it's time for Cogle to earn his keep.

The Washington Post

But in an age when no one wanted a poet for a son-in-law he had to earn his keep as a lawyer.

The New Yorker

Those are the obsessions of a child with time and space to be a child, not one who has to earn his keep.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

David Villa scored, earning his keep right away.

The New Yorker

"He earned his keep on this planet.

Independent

Many feel that he earns his keep.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He has earned his keep on this planet.

Independent

This is where the dealer earns his keep.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "earn his keep", consider the gender and replace "his" with the correct pronoun if it's a female or a group (earn her keep, earn their keep).

Common error

Avoid using "earn his keep" when simply describing general employment or payment for services. It is more appropriate when there's an element of dependency or a clear exchange for basic needs like food and shelter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earn his keep" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI data reveals the phrase describes the action of performing labor or service in exchange for sustenance, accommodation, or other benefits, reflecting a relationship of dependency or obligation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "earn his keep" is a common idiomatic expression signifying that someone is working or providing a service in exchange for benefits like food, shelter, or payment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where there's a clear exchange or dependency. Consider alternatives like "pull one's weight" or "deserve one's compensation" for different nuances, and be mindful of gender when using the pronoun "his".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pull one's weight

This alternative emphasizes contributing equally to a shared task or responsibility.

be worth one's salt

This alternative is an idiom emphasizing competence and value in one's role.

deserve one's compensation

This alternative focuses specifically on receiving appropriate payment for work done.

merit one's livelihood

This alternative centers on the idea of earning a living through one's actions.

pay one's dues

This alternative signifies completing the necessary steps to earn respect or advancement.

justify one's existence

This alternative suggests a broader sense of proving one's worth or purpose.

contribute one's share

This alternative stresses the aspect of contributing to a collective effort.

be self-supporting

This alternative emphasizes the ability to provide for oneself financially.

warrant one's sustenance

This alternative has a more formal tone, highlighting the right to be provided for.

validate one's position

This alternative suggests proving the necessity or value of one's role.

FAQs

How can I use "earn his keep" in a sentence?

You can use "earn his keep" to describe someone who is providing a service or performing work in exchange for necessities. For example, "He worked on the farm to "earn his keep"".

What does "earn his keep" mean?

"Earn his keep" means to do work or provide a service in exchange for basic necessities like food and shelter, or to justify one's place by contributing adequately.

Is it appropriate to use "earn his keep" in a formal business context?

While "earn his keep" is understandable, it may be more suitable in informal contexts. In formal business settings, consider using phrases like "justify one's position" or "deserve one's compensation".

What are some alternatives to "earn his keep"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "pull one's weight", "contribute one's share", or "be worth one's salt".