low income

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression 'low income' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person or family who earns a lower amount of income than the average. For example, "Many people with low income are struggling to pay for basic necessities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Low income?

Columbia University

Folks who are low income.

Harvard Business Review

Proof of low income is required.

The Guardian

"High income, low income, across the board.

The New York Times

Many come from low income backgrounds.

Harvard University

Report on State low income housing program.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Low-income parents, apparently.

The New York Times

Sandals are low-income.

The New Yorker

Low-income housing was one.

The New York Times

And low-income students?

The New York Times - Magazine

The unsurprising answer: low-income people.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, support statements about "low-income" communities with specific data and citations to maintain credibility.

Common error

Ensure accuracy when describing financial situations. "Low income" indicates some earnings, while "no income" means a complete absence of earnings. Use the appropriate term to avoid misrepresenting the financial status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low income" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (e.g., "low-income families", "low-income housing"). It serves to categorize or describe a subject based on its financial status. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "low income" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term that describes a state of financial limitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, most commonly in news, academic research, and policy discussions, to classify and address issues related to economic disparity. Remember to use this phrase accurately to avoid confusion with similar concepts like "no income". When writing, always provide context and support claims with relevant data to maintain credibility. Related phrases, such as "limited financial resources" or "economically challenged", can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggling financially

Focuses on the active struggle to manage finances, highlighting ongoing effort.

meager earnings

Focuses on the inadequacy of the earnings, emphasizing a struggle to meet basic needs.

on a tight budget

Focuses on careful management of limited funds, implying constraint.

financially disadvantaged

Highlights the state of being at a disadvantage due to financial reasons.

limited financial resources

Highlights the scarcity of available financial resources, suitable for discussing economic constraints.

economically challenged

Softens the term, suggesting difficulties without explicitly stating poverty.

low socioeconomic status

Emphasizes the broader societal position, including factors beyond just income.

modest income

Suggests a small but possibly adequate income, less severe than "low income".

impoverished circumstances

Emphasizes the conditions of poverty, often used in discussions of long-term hardship.

resource-poor

Highlights the lack of access to various essential resources, not just monetary.

FAQs

How is "low income" typically defined?

The definition of "low income" varies based on geographic location, household size, and specific programs. Often, it's defined as a percentage of the median household income in a given area. Check local and federal guidelines for precise definitions.

What government assistance programs are available for those with "low income"?

Many programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and "low-income housing" assistance, are designed to support individuals and families with low incomes.

What are some common challenges faced by individuals with "low income"?

Individuals with "low income" often face challenges related to housing affordability, access to healthcare, food security, and educational opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

How does "low income" affect access to healthcare?

"Low income" can limit access to healthcare due to lack of insurance, inability to afford co-pays or deductibles, and transportation barriers to medical facilities. Medicaid and "low income subsidy" programs are designed to help mitigate these issues.