make a career of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a career of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to pursue something as a profession or to build a successful career around it. Example: He always loved to cook, so he decided to make a career of it and became a successful chef.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

But the last person to make a career of uilleann (meaning "elbow") pipe making died 50 years ago.

The New York Times

Perhaps make a career of it?

The New York Times

I want to make a career of it.

Independent

"Her husband has managed to make a career of it".

The New Yorker

Politicians here make a career of kicking a Russian.

The Guardian - Opinion

A few hope to make a career of theater.

The New York Times

My goal was to make a career of this.

Princeton University

I liked to write but never thought I could make a career of it.

The New York Times

"I want to hire someone who will make a career of it".

The New York Times

I decided that I really wanted to make a career of it.

The Guardian

(He said he wants to make a career of running such programs).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a career of", ensure that the context clearly indicates a long-term professional commitment, not just a temporary job or hobby. For example, instead of saying "He tried to make a career of it for a year", specify the field: "He tried to make a career of software development".

Common error

Avoid using "make a career of" when referring to short-term activities or hobbies. This phrase implies a significant, long-term commitment, so ensure the context aligns with a professional endeavor. Don't say "She made a career of knitting scarves for Christmas", because it does not reflect the real meaning of the expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a career of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of choosing and pursuing a specific field or activity as one's long-term profession. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used in various contexts, emphasizing a commitment to a chosen path. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a career of" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies pursuing a particular field or activity as a long-term profession. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used in various contexts, particularly in news media and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with a significant professional commitment. Alternatives like "pursue as a profession" or "dedicate oneself to" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remembering these points will help you effectively communicate your intended message when discussing career choices and professional paths.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build a career around

This suggests constructing one's professional life and identity based on a particular activity or interest.

pursue as a profession

This alternative focuses on the act of following a specific occupation as a means of livelihood.

dedicate oneself to

Emphasizes a committed approach towards a specific field or activity, implying a long-term focus.

turn into a profession

Highlights the transformation of an activity or interest into a formal occupation.

establish oneself in a field

Suggests achieving recognition and stability within a specific professional area.

find a vocation in

Implies discovering a calling or strong inclination towards a particular career path.

follow as one's calling

Implies pursuing a particular career path due to a strong sense of purpose or destiny.

carve out a niche in

Focuses on creating a specialized position or area of expertise within a broader field.

specialize in for a job

Highlights focusing one's skills and knowledge in a specific area to obtain employment.

make a living from

This expression focuses on the financial aspect of pursuing a specific career.

FAQs

How can I use "make a career of" in a sentence?

Use "make a career of" to indicate that someone is pursuing a particular activity or field as a long-term profession. For example, "She decided to "make a career of" nursing after volunteering at the hospital".

What are some alternatives to "make a career of"?

Alternatives include "pursue as a profession", "build a career around", or "dedicate oneself to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "made a career out of" instead of "make a career of"?

While "made a career out of" is also grammatically correct, ""make a career of"" emphasizes the initial intention or decision to pursue something professionally, while "made a career out of" highlights the eventual success or outcome.

What's the difference between "make a career of" and "have a career in"?

"Make a career of" suggests a deliberate choice to build a profession around a specific activity or field. "Have a career in", on the other hand, simply indicates that someone works in that area, without necessarily implying the same level of dedication or purpose.