main source of living

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main source of living" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it anytime you want to describe the primary occupation or activity that a person or group relies on to earn money or generate other resources necessary to sustain themselves. For example: "Fishing is the main source of living for many of the coastal villages in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Pastoralism

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As presented in Table 4, this sector serves as the main source of living for 105 pastoral, 40 semi-pastoral, 70 agro-pastoral and 98 mixed-farming communities.

Pastoralism

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Representative Beto O'Rourke, one of the main sources of live streaming, sat for hours with his phone pointed at the speakers.

The Guardian

Although more than three-quarters of the 51 participants had a salary from employment as their main source of income, 75.5% lived in households that were classified by the HFSSM as food insecure.

BMC Public Health

Rainfall is considered as the main source of domestic water for living as well as for agriculture in the Uttarakhand State.

Applied Water Science

Cold season precipitation into this region is the main supply of water to area rivers, such as the Colorado River and Rio Grande, and also acts as the main source of water to people living in this portion of the United States.

Wikipedia

In addition, artisanal fishing is a main source of livelihood for people living along the shores of Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga.

Environmental Management

Health personnel represent the main source of information for women living with HIV, before media and family or friends entourage.

BMC Cancer

In the face of what some journalists have called the biggest story in the world, surely this is an opportunity - greater than any time since World War II - for Britain's most trusted media outlet, and our main source of scientific information, to live up to the Public Purposes codified by its Royal Charter.

The Guardian

Health professionals were the main source of information, especially for women living with HIV (p = 0.0001), whereas controls rather knew the disease by the media (p = 0.002) or their family (p = 0.006).

BMC Cancer

Butterflies and moths play an important role in the natural ecosystem as pollinators and as food in the food chain; conversely, their larvae are considered very problematic to vegetation in agriculture, as their main source of food is often live plant matter.

Wikipedia

Ever afraid of partner and hazardous drinking were fitted in the same model adjusted for all factors with the exception of sexuality: age group, education level, employment status, pension or benefit as main source of income, marital status, lives alone.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing communities or populations, use the phrase "main source of living" to clearly indicate the primary activity that sustains them.

Common error

Avoid using "main source of living" when "main source of livelihood" is more appropriate. "Living" refers to the state of being alive, while "livelihood" refers to the means of supporting oneself. Using "livelihood" provides more clarity about economic support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main source of living" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig confirms its usability and grammatical correctness. It identifies the principal means by which individuals or communities sustain themselves.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main source of living" effectively describes the primary means of sustenance for individuals or communities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While less common than alternatives like "main source of livelihood", its meaning is clear and understandable. The phrase appears across diverse contexts, including scientific studies, news reports, and general discussions about economic stability and resource management, particularly concerning rural communities. To enhance precision, consider using "main source of livelihood" when referring specifically to economic means.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary means of subsistence

Replaces "source of living" with a more formal term, emphasizing basic survival needs.

principal livelihood

Substitutes "main source" with "principal" and "living" with "livelihood", focusing on income generation.

chief income source

Replaces "main source of living" with a more direct reference to income.

major revenue stream

Uses business-oriented terminology to describe the primary way of generating income.

essential form of sustenance

Emphasizes the necessity of the source for survival, using more formal language.

fundamental survival strategy

Shifts the focus to the strategy employed for survival, rather than just the source.

economic mainstay

Implies that the source is crucial for economic stability and well-being.

bread and butter

An idiomatic expression indicating the primary means of earning a living.

lifeblood

A more figurative way of describing something essential for maintaining life or prosperity.

daily bread

A biblical expression referring to the basic necessities for survival.

FAQs

What does "main source of living" mean?

The phrase "main source of living" refers to the primary way someone or a group of people sustains themselves, usually through income or resources.

Is it more correct to say "main source of livelihood" or "main source of living"?

While both are understandable, "main source of livelihood" is often more precise, as "livelihood" specifically refers to the means of supporting oneself. You can use alternatives like "primary means of subsistence", "principal livelihood", or "chief income source".

What are some alternatives to "main source of living"?

Alternatives include "primary occupation", "chief income source", or "economic mainstay", depending on the context.

How can I use "main source of living" in a sentence?

For example, "Agriculture is the "main source of living" for many rural communities" or "Fishing is their "main source of living"".