for your livelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for your livelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the means by which someone earns a living or sustains themselves financially. Example: "Many people are struggling to find work that is suitable for their livelihood in today's economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Also, you're depending on these guys for your livelihood.

The New York Times

Same thing: sucking up, panicking, slaving away, total obedience to the rules, fighting for your livelihood before a critical, heartless, nitpicking, unsupportive panel of judges, AKA Ofsted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fiction asks a lot of people, says Meg Wolitzer, "to tell them that you need to learn about these characters, to take time out in your day from being frightened for your livelihood and your children, to think about Susan and Bill, who don't exist.

The Guardian

The Prophet (SAW) says "Search for your livelihood much below the soil - at every layer of the earth surface".

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

You simply hired some marketing company to handle your email marketing for you, which, if you really think about it, means you've hired some snot-nose kid to speak for you... to your clients... whose favor you depend on for your livelihood... and you take no ownership of these conversations.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

As the source of your livelihood for the past 3 years is rapidly slipping away, you may feel dragged suddenly and uncontrollably towards the bottom.

Science Magazine

Bad news for writers: your livelihood may be your demise.

The New Yorker

By Jenna Krajeski August 12, 2008 Bad news for writers: your livelihood may be your demise.

The New Yorker

— Jenna Krajeski Bad news for writers: your livelihood may be your demise.

The New Yorker

On the personal mitigation, the judge said: "I recognised that the position you find yourself in is disastrous for you, not least your livelihood and good character.

The Guardian

When you live surrounded by hidden explosives, outbursts of brutality can come when you least expect them, without regard for your plans, possessions, or livelihood.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic policies or situations, use "for your livelihood" to emphasize the direct impact on people's ability to sustain themselves and their families. This highlights the human element.

Common error

Avoid using "for your livelihood" when discussing non-essential aspects of life. It's specifically related to earning a living, not general well-being or hobbies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for your livelihood" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, often indicating the reason or purpose behind an action or situation. It specifies that something is done or exists to support one's means of living. Ludwig AI shows examples where it highlights dependency or concern related to employment or income.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for your livelihood" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the importance of earning a living and sustaining oneself financially. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically correct and acceptable, it's more common in news and media, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, it’s best to use this phrase when discussing the direct impact on someone's ability to earn income, and be mindful of its scope. Alternatives like "for your sustenance" or "for your income" can be used depending on the specific context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "for your livelihood" to convey the critical role of income and employment in people's lives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for your sustenance

Focuses on basic needs being met; implies a minimal level of support.

for your income

Directly refers to the financial aspect, excluding non-monetary means.

to secure your earnings

Emphasizes the action of protecting one's financial gains.

for your financial well-being

Expands the scope to encompass overall financial health and stability.

to safeguard your living

Highlights the protection of the means by which one lives.

for your financial survival

Highlights the essential nature of income for continued existence.

for your upkeep

Implies the resources needed to maintain one's current standard of living.

for your daily bread

An idiomatic expression emphasizing basic necessities.

for your economic support

Formal and explicitly focused on financial assistance or resources.

for your financial future

Shifts the focus to long-term economic security and planning.

FAQs

What does "for your livelihood" mean?

The phrase "for your livelihood" refers to the means by which someone earns the money or resources needed to support their life. It encompasses their job, business, or any activity that provides them with income or sustenance.

What can I say instead of "for your livelihood"?

You can use alternatives like "for your sustenance", "for your income", or "for your financial well-being" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "for your livelihood" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "for your livelihood" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing economic issues, policy impacts, or the importance of employment. However, consider the tone of your writing as to ensure this is most appropriate.

How does "for your livelihood" differ from "for your career"?

"For your livelihood" is broader and focuses on basic survival and income, whereas "for your career" relates more to long-term professional growth, ambitions, and achievements, which may not always be directly tied to immediate survival needs.