for money

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for money" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the exchange of money for goods or services. For example: "I worked a lot of overtime this month for money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

" 'For money?

The New York Times - Books

"They're desperate for money".

The New Yorker

Value for money matters.

The Economist

Not for money, certainly.

The New York Times

For money, of course.

The New York Times - Sports

(Ditto for money).

The New Yorker

"I'm not for money.

The New York Times - Arts

"Sometimes they're asking for money.

The New York Times - Tech

He did it for money.

The New Yorker

Am I asking for money?

The New York Times

She's my friend for money.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for money", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose or motivation related to financial gain. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the action or service performed in exchange for money.

Common error

Avoid using "for money" when describing activities driven by passion or personal interest, as it implies a primarily financial motive. Ensure the context aligns with the phrase's focus on monetary compensation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for money" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the purpose or reason behind an action. Ludwig confirms its usability as such. For example, "They are working hard for money."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for money" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that clarifies the motivation behind an action as being financially driven. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard way to express the exchange of services or goods for monetary compensation. It appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media, maintaining a generally neutral register. When using "for money", ensure clarity and consider the potential bluntness of emphasizing financial incentives. Alternative phrases like "for financial gain" or "to earn a living" can offer nuanced expressions. Despite its simplicity, understanding the appropriate use of "for money" enhances precision and clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for financial gain

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the financial aspect.

to earn a living

This phrase focuses on the purpose of obtaining money to support oneself.

in exchange for payment

This alternative is more explicit about the exchange of goods or services for money.

with the intention of profiting

This is a more formal way to express the purpose of making money.

motivated by profit

This phrase highlights the motivation behind an action.

for remuneration

This is a highly formal and less common alternative.

in pursuit of wealth

This phrase suggests a strong desire for riches.

to make ends meet

This focuses on earning enough money to cover basic expenses.

as a means of income

This alternative emphasizes the use of something as a source of money.

on a paid basis

This specifies that an activity is done with the expectation of payment.

FAQs

How can I use "for money" in a sentence?

You can use "for money" to indicate the reason or motivation behind an action is financial gain. For instance, "He worked overtime "for money"" or "They sell their crafts "for money"".

What are some alternatives to "for money"?

Alternatives include phrases like "for financial gain", "to earn a living", or "in exchange for payment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to state that something is done "for money"?

While grammatically correct, stating something is done "for money" may sound blunt or cynical. Consider the context and whether a more nuanced explanation would be more appropriate.

How does the formality of "for money" compare to other similar phrases?

"For money" is generally considered neutral in formality. Alternatives like "for remuneration" are more formal, while phrases like "to make ends meet" suggest a more pressing need for income.