make a living

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a living" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the means by which someone earns money to support themselves. For example: "John had to take a job to make a living after the factory closed down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others make a living.

The Economist

"People couldn't make a living.

The New Yorker

"I make a living.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I tried to make a living.

The New Yorker

"He was coming to make a living".

The New York Times

I have to make a living".

The New York Times

"I make a living," he said.

The New York Times - Books

You can make a living doing this".

The New Yorker

We all make a living through reading.

The New York Times

But you could make a living.

The New York Times - Sports

He's trying to make a living".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a living", consider the specific context. It often implies a basic level of financial sustenance rather than great wealth. If you want to emphasize wealth use other expressions like "become rich".

Common error

Avoid using "make a living" when referring to hobbies or activities that don't generate substantial income. Instead, reserve it for primary sources of financial support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a living" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of earning sufficient income to support oneself. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a living" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of earning enough money to support oneself or one's family. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's predominantly used in news and media contexts, as shown by Ludwig's examples, and maintains a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. While alternatives like "earn a livelihood" and "support oneself" exist, "make a living" remains a straightforward and widely understood way to convey the idea of financial sustenance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earn a livelihood

Focuses more on the idea of earning necessary means of support.

support oneself

Emphasizes self-reliance and financial independence.

earn one's keep

Highlights earning something in return for providing support.

eke out an existence

Suggests a struggle to survive on meager earnings.

scratch a living

Implies working hard to make a basic income, often in challenging conditions.

make ends meet

Focuses on managing income to cover expenses.

earn a wage

Highlights receiving a fixed payment for work done.

sustain oneself

Implies providing for one's own needs and well-being.

provide for oneself

Focuses on the act of supplying what is needed for survival and comfort.

bring home the bacon

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the act of earning money for the family.

FAQs

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

"Make a living" refers to earning enough money to support yourself or your family. For instance, "She works as a teacher to make a living".

What are some alternatives to "make a living"?

You can use alternatives like "earn a livelihood", "support oneself", or "earn one's keep depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "making a living" instead of "make a living"?

Yes, "making a living" is the present participle form and can be used in continuous tenses, such as "He is making a living as a freelance writer".

What's the difference between "make a living" and "earn a fortune"?

"Make a living" implies earning enough for basic needs and sustenance, while "earn a fortune" suggests accumulating significant wealth and riches.