make a livelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a livelihood" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to earn a living to survive. Example sentence: She was determined to make a livelihood doing something she was passionate about.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But it's tough…because people do need these resources to survive and to make a livelihood.

Columbia University

A chance to make a livelihood at something they love to do".

The New York Times

"We are just trying to make a livelihood, to eat," she shouted.

The New York Times

But for now, Mr. Leggat said, "there's not a critical mass of folks who can make a livelihood just working in the business".

The New York Times

In addition, theological controversies in the 4th and 5th centuries often resulted in bishops being deprived of their sees; they retained their consecration as bishops but had to wander to make a livelihood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tappers' idea of creating sustainable reserves where forest people can make a livelihood from extractive industries has become a global model for managing forests and Acre now has a two-million-hectare reserve.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Sundequist, a former snowboarder, has made a livelihood out of judging the event.

The New York Times - Sports

She and her older brother made a livelihood reciting Sanskrit scripture.

The New York Times

"They serve as interpreters only because they have no other means of making a livelihood," the reformist scholar Feng Guai-fen wrote.

The New Yorker

"Our ways of making a livelihood, the very homes we live in, our schools, have basically been taken away from us," she said.

The New York Times

The water-saving campaign has angered the likes of Haimomo, who makes a livelihood from the very thing that the artists are campaigning against.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic development or community support, use "make a livelihood" to emphasize sustainable income generation rather than short-term gains.

Common error

Avoid using "make a livelihood" when referring to speculative or high-risk ventures. This phrase implies a stable, reliable source of income, not a fleeting opportunity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a livelihood" functions as a verbal phrase describing the action of earning sufficient income or resources to support oneself. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a livelihood" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of earning enough income to support oneself. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It appears frequently in news reports, academic discussions, and scientific literature, indicating a neutral register. When using the phrase, focus on contexts related to sustainable income generation and economic survival, distinguishing it from speculative ventures. Alternatives include "earn a living" and "support oneself", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earn a living

Focuses on the act of earning money to survive.

support oneself

Highlights the self-sufficiency aspect of earning income.

make ends meet

Emphasizes managing income to cover basic expenses.

gain a source of income

Stresses the act of acquiring a means of financial support.

pursue a career

Implies a longer-term professional path for earning a livelihood.

secure a financial footing

Focuses on achieving financial stability.

find gainful employment

Highlights finding work that is profitable.

develop a revenue stream

Focuses on creating a consistent source of income.

establish a sustainable income

Highlights the long-term viability of the income source.

eeke out a living

Suggests a struggle to earn enough to survive.

FAQs

How can I use "make a livelihood" in a sentence?

You can use "make a livelihood" to describe how someone earns a living, such as, "Many villagers "make a livelihood" through farming".

What's a good alternative to "make a livelihood"?

Alternatives include "earn a living", "support oneself", or "make ends meet", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "make a livelihood" or "make a living"?

Both phrases are correct and often interchangeable. "Make a livelihood" might suggest a more sustainable or long-term approach to earning income, while "make a living" is a more general term.

What does it mean to "make a livelihood" in a rural community?

In a rural community, to ""make a livelihood"" often involves utilizing local resources and skills, such as farming, fishing, or crafts, to sustain oneself and one's family.