make a good living

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a good living" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to having enough money to support oneself or one's family. Example: "She was determined to make a good living, so she worked hard and eventually opened her own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Does he make a good living?

The New York Times

"I make a good living," he says.

The New York Times

"Under this model, you can make a good living.

The New York Times

I'm addressing people who make a good living.

The Washington Post

I want to make a good living for my daughter.

The New York Times

Yes, I do make a good living doing what I love to do.

The New York Times

Pollsters and advertisers now make a good living off the same theory.

The New Yorker

Many bricks-and-mortar bookshops still make a good living, as do flea markets.

The Economist

It is entirely possible to make a good living at it as well.

The New York Times

So Western firms could import solar cells from China and make a good living installing them.

The Economist

I make a good living". Around the coast at Stykkisholmur the scallop fishery has collapsed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "make a good living", consider the audience and context to determine if a more formal or specific alternative might be more appropriate. For instance, in a business report, "achieve financial stability" might be preferred over "make a good living".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "make a good living" automatically implies wealth or luxury. It simply means earning enough to live comfortably and meet one's needs, which can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a good living" functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it indicates the ability to earn enough money to support oneself or one's family. Examples show it used to describe various professions and situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a good living" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe earning enough money to comfortably support oneself. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in various contexts, ranging from everyday conversations to news reports. While it doesn't imply wealth, it suggests financial stability and the ability to meet one's needs. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific context and audience; more formal options like "achieve financial stability" may be preferable in professional settings. Remember that the definition of "good" in this context is subjective and varies based on individual circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earn a comfortable income

This alternative emphasizes the comfort and ease associated with the income earned.

support oneself well

This focuses on the act of providing for oneself adequately.

have a prosperous career

Highlights the career aspect and its success, indicating a long-term financial well-being.

be financially secure

This alternative directly addresses the state of financial security achieved.

maintain a high standard of living

Focuses on the quality of life that the income allows.

prosper financially

Emphasizes growth and success in financial terms.

be gainfully employed

Highlights the fact of having a job that provides sufficient income.

earn a sufficient livelihood

This stresses that the earnings are enough to support one's basic needs.

secure a comfortable lifestyle

Focuses on the lifestyle that the income allows, emphasizing comfort.

achieve financial independence

This emphasizes independence from needing financial support from others.

FAQs

How can I use "make a good living" in a sentence?

You can use "make a good living" to describe someone earning enough money to support themselves or their family comfortably. For example: "She worked hard to "make a good living" as a teacher."

What are some alternatives to "make a good living"?

Alternatives include "earn a comfortable income", "support oneself well", or "have a prosperous career" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "make a good living" in formal writing?

While "make a good living" is widely understood, more formal options like "achieve financial stability" or "secure a comfortable lifestyle" may be preferable in formal or professional contexts.

What does "make a good living" imply about one's financial status?

"Make a good living" suggests a comfortable financial situation where one can meet their needs and have some disposable income, but it doesn't necessarily imply wealth or luxury. The definition of "good" varies depending on individual expectations and circumstances.