earning a wage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earning a wage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of receiving payment for work performed. Example: "Many people find satisfaction in earning a wage that reflects their skills and efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Also, online courses are often more accessible to students who have competing responsibilities, like earning a wage.

The New York Times

Earning a wage helps young women prepare for a variety of life scenarios, balancing long-term and short-term goals.

The Guardian

She could work at BT, earning a wage, and study for a degree at the same time.

The Guardian

It's expensive – just the living costs, plus things that you wouldn't think about when you're earning a wage.

The Guardian - Sport

Tiago Lambuca left Portugal to search for work here as an architect, but the decision to emigrate was about more than earning a wage.

Independent

But her staff consists entirely of "average, everyday ladies earning a wage".In the past decade, two forces have transformed the business of prostitution.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I resent this blaming the working person who just wants to earn a wage.

Independent

Spurling earned a wage reviewing books for the Observer and the Daily Telegraph.

The Guardian - Books

I knew how not to get pregnant, I knew how to earn a wage, Vangie says.

The New York Times - Books

"They are not working to earn a wage," said Correction Enterprises director Karen Brown.

The Guardian

Apprentices like them because they can earn a wage while gaining skills and qualifications.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earning a wage" to emphasize the act of receiving payment specifically for labor or services rendered, especially when contrasting it with other forms of income or benefits.

Common error

Avoid using "earning a wage" when referring to profits from investments or other non-labor income. It specifically denotes compensation for work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earning a wage" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the activity of receiving payment for work performed. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase highlights the relationship between labor and monetary compensation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "earning a wage" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that denotes receiving payment for work performed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While it is most frequently found in News & Media, its presence in academic and scientific sources showcases its broad applicability. The phrase's function is to describe obtaining money through labor, and its register is generally neutral, fitting both formal and informal communication. It's important to use the phrase to specify labor-related income, distinguishing it from other forms of revenue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting paid

A more casual and direct way of saying receiving money for work.

drawing a salary

Implies a fixed regular payment, often monthly or bi-weekly.

obtaining earnings

Highlights the result of working, which is the acquisition of money.

receiving compensation

Focuses on the act of getting paid, often implying a formal agreement.

working for income

Emphasizes the purpose of working as being to obtain money.

making a living

Highlights the ability to sustain oneself financially.

securing an income

Highlights the act of establishing a regular flow of money.

acquiring income

Focuses on getting payment or revenue.

gaining remuneration

A more formal way of saying receiving payment for services.

being employed for pay

Focuses on the employment aspect and the associated payment.

FAQs

How can I use "earning a wage" in a sentence?

You can use "earning a wage" to describe the act of receiving payment for work, such as "She is "earning a wage" as a teacher" or "Earning a wage allows individuals to support themselves and their families."

What are some alternatives to "earning a wage"?

Some alternatives include "receiving compensation", "drawing a salary", or "making a living", depending on the context.

Is "earning a wage" the same as "getting a salary"?

"Earning a wage" generally refers to receiving payment for hourly or piecework, while "getting a salary" implies a fixed payment over a period, regardless of hours worked. Though, in some contexts, they can be interchangeable.

What's the difference between "earning a wage" and "receiving income"?

"Earning a wage" specifically refers to income from labor or services, whereas "receiving income" is a broader term that can include wages, investments, or other sources of money.