in an earmark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in an earmark" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to budgeting or funding, referring to a specific allocation of funds for a particular purpose. Example: "The senator proposed a bill that included an earmark for local infrastructure projects."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In an earmark".

The New York Times

Members of both houses also have to certify that they have no financial interest in an earmark.

The New York Times

Whatever you do, don't bring up that goddamn polar-bear exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo that he put in an earmark for.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

WASHINGTON — In leading his colleagues in a vote on Tuesday to ban the lawmaker-directed spending items known as earmarks, Mitch McConnell, the Senate Republican leader and consummate Congressional appropriator, averted a divisive clash within his caucus over the question of joining the new House Republican majority in enacting an earmark "moratorium" for the next Congress.

The New York Times

He also threw in a call for earmark reform.

The New York Times

Haley and UT Southwestern were the beneficiaries of an unusual federal contract that fulfills an earmark in a law passed by Congress in 2005, providing "not less than $15 million" for Gulf War illness studies.

Science Magazine

Quallion has already secured itself $951,000 of government money to work on anti-idling batteries for trucks through an earmark in an omnibus spending bill passed by Congress in March.

Forbes

I smell an earmark in some omnibus transportation bill.

The New York Times - Books

"I don't see that as an earmark in any way, shape or form because there is no transfer of anything of value," Mr. Huizenga said.

The New York Times

For example, in 2008, Congress used an earmark to require the department to provide $290,663 for the Citizens Committee for New York City Inc., to run a crime-stoppers program.

The New York Times

And Santorum, during his 16 years in Congress, never met an earmark he could not support, from a bilingual health care studies program at a college in his home state to the infamous Bridge to Nowhere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, avoid ambiguous phrasing; clearly state the funding source and intended use to prevent misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "in an earmark" when you mean "funded by an earmark" or "part of an earmark". The preposition "in" suggests containment, which doesn't accurately reflect the relationship between a project and its funding source.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in an earmark" functions as a prepositional phrase, attempting to specify the location or context of something within an earmark. However, based on Ludwig AI analysis, this usage is not considered standard English. The examples show instances where it tries to modify nouns related to funding allocations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in an earmark" is grammatically questionable and rarely used in standard English. Ludwig AI identifies it as incorrect. It attempts to relate something to a specific allocation of funds, but clearer alternatives like "funded by an earmark" or "part of an earmarked fund" are recommended. While sources like The New York Times and Huffington Post provide examples, the phrase's awkwardness makes it unsuitable for formal writing. Use more precise and grammatically correct alternatives to convey your intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earmarked within the budget

Rephrases the sentence structure while keeping a similar phrase and meaning.

within a designated allocation

Replaces the term "earmark" with a more general term for allocation, emphasizing containment within a specific fund.

as part of a specific appropriation

Focuses on the act of appropriating funds for a defined purpose, similar to an earmark's function.

included in a set-aside fund

Highlights the act of setting aside funds for a particular use.

as a designated project in

Alternative highlights the fund as a project under a certain budget or grant.

financed through a dedicated allocation

Emphasizes that the funding is specifically dedicated to a particular purpose.

supported by a targeted grant

Shifts focus to the mechanism of a targeted grant that is similar to an earmark.

funded under a restricted budget line

Highlights restrictions on how funds can be used, mirroring the control an earmark provides.

specified within a funding measure

Focus on specifying funds within a legal or formal funding process.

allocated in a special provision

Focuses on the funds being allocated under a special or specific provision.

FAQs

How can I use the concept of earmarking in a sentence correctly?

Instead of "in an earmark", consider using phrases like "funded through an earmark", "part of an earmarked fund", or "designated within the budget" to describe specific project funding.

What does it mean when funds are earmarked?

When funds are earmarked, it means they are specifically allocated for a particular purpose or project, often by a legislative body. This ensures the money is used only for the intended project, and not for general expenses.

What are some common synonyms for "earmark" in the context of funding?

Synonyms include "designate", "allocate", "set aside", or "appropriate". For example, instead of saying funds are "in an earmark", you might say funds are "allocated for" a specific project.

Is it better to say "earmarked for" or "in an earmark"?

"Earmarked for" is grammatically correct and clearly indicates that funds are specifically designated for a certain purpose. "In an earmark" is less common and can be unclear; it's better to use more precise language.