make ends meet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make ends meet" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of managing one's finances to ensure that income covers expenses. Example: "With rising costs of living, many families are struggling to make ends meet each month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can't make ends meet".

Independent

"People simply can't make ends meet.

Independent

They struggled to make ends meet.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's hard to make ends meet".

The New York Times

Why, they can barely make ends meet.

The New York Times

"Is it easier to make ends meet?

The New York Times

Such families struggle to make ends meet.

The New York Times

"Have to make ends meet".

The New York Times

I cannot make ends meet.

The Guardian

How they'll make ends meet.

The Guardian

Many people can't make ends meet.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make ends meet", consider the specific financial context. It is best suited when describing a struggle to balance income and expenses rather than general financial planning or investment.

Common error

Avoid using "make ends meet" when discussing long-term financial goals or wealth accumulation. This phrase is specifically about covering basic needs, not about strategic financial growth.

How to use

Learn how to use "make ends meet" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "make ends meet" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It describes the act of balancing income and expenses, often in a difficult financial situation. Examples show its use in contexts of financial struggle and survival.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "make ends meet" is a very common and correct expression used to describe the act of balancing income and expenses, often in situations of financial difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage. Primarily found in news and media, it conveys a neutral tone, emphasizing the challenges of financial survival. Alternatives include "balance the budget" and "live within your means". When writing, it's crucial to use this phrase in contexts where a struggle to cover basic needs is central, rather than general financial management or wealth building. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and practical application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

balance the budget

Focuses on the act of balancing income and expenditure within a defined budget.

manage finances

Emphasizes the overall management and handling of financial resources.

live within your means

Highlights the importance of spending only what one can afford.

get by financially

Indicates managing to survive or cope with limited financial resources.

scrape by

Suggests managing to survive with great difficulty and minimal resources.

stretch every dollar

Focuses on maximizing the value and use of limited financial resources.

keep afloat

Implies maintaining financial stability and avoiding debt or bankruptcy.

meet financial obligations

Focuses on fulfilling financial responsibilities and commitments.

survive economically

Highlights the ability to endure and continue functioning in challenging economic circumstances.

subsist

Implies maintaining life or existence, especially with limited resources.

FAQs

How can I use "make ends meet" in a sentence?

You can use "make ends meet" to describe a situation where someone is struggling to balance their income and expenses, such as "Many families are finding it difficult to "make ends meet" with the rising cost of living".

What are some alternatives to "make ends meet"?

Alternatives include "balance the budget", "live within your means", or "get by financially", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "making ends meet" the same as "living comfortably"?

No, "making ends meet" implies a struggle to cover basic expenses, while "living comfortably" suggests financial security and ease. The former focuses on survival, while the latter indicates a higher standard of living.

When should I use "make ends meet" instead of "manage finances"?

Use "make ends meet" when you want to emphasize the difficulty or struggle involved in balancing income and expenses. "Manage finances" is a broader term that can include saving, investing, and other financial activities beyond just covering basic needs.