put bread on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'put bread on the table' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to imply that someone should share or serve food, especially bread, with others. For example, "Let's put bread on the table so everyone can eat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"These commercials put bread on the table for these people".

The New York Times

Someone, after all, had to put bread on the table.

The Guardian - Books

I'm trying to put bread on the table for my family.

MIT Technology Review

"You don't put bread on the table by running an agricultural economy.

The Guardian

They have to do high-risk things to put bread on the table".

The New York Times

"I work 60 hours, seven days a week, just to put bread on the table.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Because, he says, these are the people who are "always the first target of the charity fund-raisers" and "who put bread on the tables of families".

Independent

"These are the people who put bread on the tables of families who – if the rich didn't invest in supercars and employ eau de cologne-dabbers – might otherwise find themselves without a breadwinner," Mr Johnson said.

Independent

"Putting bread on the table, putting a roof over the heads of one's children, giving them health and an education — these are essential for human dignity," Francis said earlier this year.

Los Angeles Times

He wasn't earning money, but he was literally putting bread on the table.

The Washington Post

No. First and foremost, it's a way of putting bread on the table.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put bread on the table" to emphasize the basic need to earn money for survival, especially when discussing economic hardship or financial responsibility.

Common error

While "put bread on the table" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "secure financial stability" or "generate income" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put bread on the table" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression. It signifies the act of earning money or providing sustenance, especially the basic necessities of life. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "put bread on the table" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound expression that conveys the act of earning a livelihood and providing basic necessities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly usable in written English. With a "Very common" usage frequency, it appears across various contexts, especially in "News & Media". While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings. For formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "secure financial stability" or "generate income". Overall, understanding the nuances of this phrase can enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earn a living

Focuses on the general act of earning money to support oneself.

make ends meet

Emphasizes managing income and expenses to cover basic needs.

provide for one's family

Highlights the responsibility of supporting a family.

keep a roof over one's head

Stresses securing housing as a basic necessity.

bring home the bacon

An idiomatic expression for earning a salary.

earn one's keep

Implies earning what is needed for basic survival.

pay the bills

Focuses on the act of covering regular expenses.

scratch out a living

Suggests earning a meager income through hard work.

keep body and soul together

Highlights the struggle to maintain basic survival.

secure one's future

Emphasizes long-term financial stability and well-being.

FAQs

What does it mean to "put bread on the table"?

To "put bread on the table" means to earn enough money to provide the basic necessities, especially food, for oneself or one's family. It's an idiom for securing a livelihood.

How can I use "put bread on the table" in a sentence?

You can use "put bread on the table" to describe someone's efforts to earn a living, such as, "He works two jobs to "put bread on the table" for his children."

What can I say instead of "put bread on the table"?

You can use alternatives like "earn a living", "make ends meet", or "provide for one's family" depending on the context.

Is "put bread on the table" a formal or informal expression?

"Put bread on the table" is generally considered an informal expression. While widely understood, it's more appropriate for casual conversation or less formal writing. For professional or academic contexts, consider using more formal alternatives.