primary breadwinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary breadwinner" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the person in a household who earns the most money and is primarily responsible for supporting the family financially. Example: "In many families, the primary breadwinner is often expected to provide for the household's financial needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I had become my family's primary breadwinner.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wong is her family's primary breadwinner at the moment.

The New Yorker

Many are single mothers or a family's primary breadwinner.

The New York Times

With Ms. Tam-Diaz caring for the children, Mr. Tam-Diaz is the family's primary breadwinner.

The New York Times

I am still the primary breadwinner for our family, after all.

The New York Times

When the wife is the primary breadwinner, the total family income is generally higher.

The New York Times

Mama Roland is the primary breadwinner; she does corporate fundraising and pretty much leaves the snowboard coaching to her husband.

The New York Times - Sports

Culturally, in the UK the expectation is still that in relationships the man is the primary breadwinner or main earner.

The Guardian

It's all in a day's work for Mr. Gelfars, clown, juggler, magician and the primary breadwinner for his family.

The New York Times

Men are typically the primary breadwinner, but they also increasingly report a desire to spend more time with their children.

The New York Times

Many were willing to take low-paying jobs because they hadn't spent their lives expecting to be the primary breadwinner.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be aware of potential gender biases when using this phrase. While historically it may have implied a male role, it's now commonly used for both men and women.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "primary breadwinner" automatically makes all financial decisions. Household finances are often a collaborative effort, and the breadwinner's role doesn't negate the importance of other members' contributions or input.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary breadwinner" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies the individual who contributes the most financial support to a family or household. Ludwig confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "primary breadwinner" is a common and accepted term for the individual who provides the most financial support in a household. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. While often associated with traditional gender roles, it's now applicable to both men and women. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential biases and consider if it accurately reflects the financial dynamics within a family. Alternatives like "main income earner" or "chief provider" may be suitable depending on the context. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across news, business, and scientific contexts, solidifying its place in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main breadwinner

A shorter, slightly less formal version of the original phrase.

household's primary earner

Similar to "primary breadwinner" but uses "earner" instead.

main income earner

Focuses on the act of earning income, highlighting the financial contribution.

the major earner

Simple way to highlight who brings in the most income.

chief provider

Emphasizes the responsibility of providing for the family's needs.

principal wage earner

More formal and emphasizes the earning of wages.

family's main support

Highlights the overall support provided, not just financial.

financial backbone of the family

Figurative language emphasizing the importance of the person's financial contribution.

source of income for the family

Directly states the role as the origin of the family's income.

the one who brings home the bacon

An informal idiom that means the same thing.

FAQs

How to use "primary breadwinner" in a sentence?

The phrase "primary breadwinner" is used to describe the person in a household who earns the most money and is primarily responsible for supporting the family financially. For example: "She became the "primary breadwinner" after her husband lost his job."

What can I say instead of "primary breadwinner"?

You can use alternatives like "main income earner", "chief provider", or "principal wage earner" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "primary breadwinner" regardless of gender?

Yes, "primary breadwinner" can be used for both men and women. It refers to the person who contributes the most income to the household, regardless of their gender.

What is the difference between "primary breadwinner" and "co-breadwinner"?

"Primary breadwinner" refers to the person who earns the majority of the household income. "Co-breadwinners" refers to a situation where two or more people contribute relatively equally to the household income. The expression "co-breadwinners" can be used to reflect today's family dynamic.