earning love

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earning love" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is trying to gain affection or approval from others through their actions or behavior. Example: "She believes that by helping others, she is earning love and respect from her community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Also, the individual has a very strong goal state of earning love from God, and this way the individual's behaviour is also influenced.

Computational Social Networks

The goal state of earning love from God is a balanced, medium strength: the individual does want to be close and loved by God, but is not dependent on it.

Computational Social Networks

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is clear that Pavey – described variously as lovely, down-to-earth, bubbly and, of course, stubborn – has earned love and respect from contemporaries on and off the track.

The Guardian - Sport

He gave love and earned love as few politicians do in any age.

Independent

Michael gave love and earned love as few politicians do in any age.

The Guardian

The album sounds lived in and well earned — love isn't a one-night stand on a truck tailgate, and drinking and smoking are a life's work.

The New Yorker

This person also does not have a goal to earn love from God.   3.

Computational Social Networks

You might have felt that you needed to earn love.

Huffington Post

I just want him to give them some well earned love.

Huffington Post

At some point in my undeveloped mind, at least one of my partners conditioned me to have to earn love.

Huffington Post

The distant intimacy partner pushes away the constant intimacy partner, who then tries harder to earn love.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When implying genuine affection, consider focusing on actions motivated by care and empathy, rather than calculated attempts to "earn" love.

Common error

Avoid using "earning love" in contexts that suggest love is conditional or transactional. Love is often given freely, not always earned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earning love" functions as a gerund phrase, describing the action of gaining affection or approval. As Ludwig suggests, the term is usable and commonly refers to behaviours that gain affection or approval from others.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earning love" is grammatically correct and understandable in English, though potentially carrying connotations of conditional affection. Ludwig indicates that it is usable to describe gaining love through actions, but suggests other phrases such as "gaining affection" might be more suitable depending on the situation. The frequency is uncommon, appearing in diverse sources such as news, scientific articles and wikis. Be mindful of the subtle implications of transactional relationships when employing this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

winning affection

Focuses on the act of gaining positive feelings, similar to earning.

gaining favor

Highlights the aspect of receiving approval or preferential treatment.

garnering affection

Similar to attracting, but implies a more widespread or collective gaining of love.

attracting affection

Emphasizes drawing love towards oneself.

securing affection

Implies a more strategic or intentional effort to obtain love.

cultivating love

Suggests a more gradual and deliberate process of developing love.

commanding respect and affection

Adds the element of respect alongside love, implying authority or admiration.

deserving love

Focuses on being worthy of love, rather than the act of earning it.

inspiring love

Suggests that love is a natural consequence of one's actions or character.

receiving love through actions

Highlights that love is a result of doing something.

FAQs

What does "earning love" mean?

"Earning love" refers to the idea of gaining someone's affection or approval through specific actions or behaviors. It suggests that love is something that must be worked for, rather than freely given.

Is it correct to say you have to "earn" love?

While the phrase "earning love" is grammatically correct, it can imply a transactional view of relationships. True love is often unconditional, but people may feel they need to "win affection" through their actions.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "earning love"?

You can use alternatives like "gaining affection", "attracting affection", or "cultivating love" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "earning love"?

It's appropriate when describing situations where someone feels they need to perform or behave in a certain way to receive affection. However, be mindful of the potential implication that love is not freely given.