get welfare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get welfare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to receiving government assistance or benefits designed to support individuals or families in need. Example: "Many families rely on government programs to get welfare during tough economic times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

But yeah, we did get welfare reform done.

The New Yorker

They were, he said, trying to get welfare benefits.

The New York Times

Versions are being tried to get welfare recipients into work and discourage criminal reoffending.

The Economist

Around 4m adults currently get welfare cheques, and about half of these are long-term recipients.

The Economist

Help to get welfare recipients into work is to become bespoke.

The Economist

"In other states, you get welfare first, and then you may be required to work.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

If the most convenient way of getting welfare benefits is online, a lot of people who had never thought of using the web will have a go.

The Economist

It's using that $6-an-hour job for child care or staying home with the kids yourself and getting welfare".

The New York Times

Willie Hofmeyr, head of South Africa's anti-corruption body, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), said it had identified 400,000 civil servants getting welfare payments to which they were not entitled.

The Economist

At the end of the summer of 2001, the city moved Ms. Gaton from welfare into a temporary jobs program in a park specifically for women who had passed the five-year federal time limit on getting welfare.

The New York Times

"The coalition agreement was like a three-three draw: [Tories] got welfare reform, immediate cuts and schools reform; [Lib Dems] got the pupil premium, the alternative vote referendum and taking low paid people out of income tax," said Montgomerie.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about welfare, be specific about the type of welfare being discussed (e.g., unemployment benefits, housing assistance) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "get welfare" in a way that stigmatizes recipients. Frame your writing to focus on the systemic aspects rather than individual blame.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get welfare" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of receiving or obtaining welfare benefits. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, aligning with examples where individuals seek or are entitled to such support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get welfare" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the action of receiving government assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it's advisable to use specific terms like "receive unemployment benefits" or "access housing assistance" for improved clarity and neutrality. When writing about welfare, it is important to avoid generalizations and use stigmatizing language. Remember there are several alternatives, as "receive welfare benefits", to this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive welfare benefits

Focuses on the act of receiving benefits, emphasizing the outcome.

access welfare programs

Highlights the act of accessing available programs.

secure welfare support

Highlights the action of securing assistance, suggesting effort.

obtain government assistance

Emphasizes the source and nature of the support.

be eligible for assistance

Emphasizes eligibility for various types of support.

draw public assistance

Highlights the act of drawing or utilizing public funds.

qualify for benefits

Focuses on meeting the eligibility criteria.

apply for social security

Specifies a particular type of welfare program.

be on welfare

Describes the state of receiving welfare.

claim unemployment benefits

Refers to benefits received when unemployed.

FAQs

What does it mean to "get welfare"?

To "get welfare" means to receive government assistance and support, typically financial, designed to help individuals or families meet basic needs.

What are some alternatives to saying "get welfare"?

You can use alternatives like "receive welfare benefits", "access welfare programs", or "obtain government assistance" depending on the context.

How is "get welfare" different from "be on welfare"?

"Get welfare" refers to the act of obtaining assistance, while "be on welfare" describes the state of currently receiving that assistance.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "get welfare" in formal writing?

While the phrase "get welfare" is commonly understood, in formal writing, it may be more appropriate to use more precise and neutral language such as "receive public assistance" or "qualify for benefits".