side hustle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "side hustle" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a secondary job or activity that someone engages in to earn extra income, often alongside their primary job. Example: "Many people are turning to a side hustle to supplement their income during tough economic times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All 'Side Hustle' content will be clearly labeled as 'Brought to you by Squarespace'.

The Guardian

But he's still got a side hustle in the wine business AND a plus-sized modelling contract.

Independent

Targeting those with side hustle ambitions also perfectly aligns with the Guardian's readership of educated, thoughtful and sophisticated professionals.

The Guardian

'Side Hustle' will document the lives of a number of side hustlers at different stages of pursuing their passion.

The Guardian

"When I'm hanging out and I'm having a good time, I'm usually making progress on my side hustle".

The Guardian

Using a unique hashtag, the contest will invite users to share their own side hustle goals with the public.

The Guardian

Cranach's Maurice was most likely painted for Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg, a prelate with a taste for luxury and a side hustle in indulgences.

The New Yorker

An offhand comment to a TV producer about his side hustle a couple of years ago led to the opportunity to turn it into a reality show.

The New York Times - Arts

We interviewed the founders of two thriving tech businesses as well as one developer who maintains her side hustle while working full-time for a video game giant.

The Guardian

That's not a side hustle.

TechCrunch

That side hustle was the enterprise business.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing professional achievements or entrepreneurial aspirations, use "side hustle" to convey ambition and resourcefulness. It is more modern than saying "second job".

Common error

While "side hustle" is a trendy term, avoid overuse, especially in formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "second job" or "supplementary income" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "side hustle" functions as a noun, often used attributively to describe an activity or business venture undertaken in addition to one's primary occupation. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "side hustle" is a very common and correct way to describe a secondary income-generating activity, often pursued alongside a full-time job. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "second job" or "freelance work" exist, "side hustle" often carries a connotation of entrepreneurial spirit and personal passion. When using the term, be mindful of the audience and context, as it may not be appropriate in all situations. Strive to provide practical usage tips.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

side income

A shorter variation, directly indicating an additional source of revenue.

supplementary income

A general term for any additional earnings beyond the primary source.

second job

This phrase is a direct and common alternative, implying a formal employment arrangement.

extra income stream

Similar to supplementary income, but emphasizes diversification.

moonlighting

Implies working a second job, often secretly or outside regular working hours.

freelance work

Focuses on independent contract work, often project-based.

gig economy

Describes a broader economic trend of short-term contracts or freelance work.

part-time business

Highlights the entrepreneurial aspect, suggesting a structured business.

passive income

Income earned without active involvement, such as from investments or royalties.

hustle

Shorter, more general term. "Hustle" alone can imply various activities aimed at making money.

FAQs

How to use "side hustle" in a sentence?

You can use "side hustle" to describe a way of earning extra income in addition to your main job. For example: "Many people are starting a "side hustle" to supplement their income."

What can I say instead of "side hustle"?

You can use alternatives like "second job", "moonlighting", or "freelance work" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "side hustle" or "side job"?

Both "side hustle" and "side job" are correct, but "side hustle" often implies a more entrepreneurial or creative endeavor, while "side job" is a more general term for additional employment. The best option depends on the specific situation.

What's the difference between "side hustle" and "passive income"?

"Side hustle" refers to actively working on a second job or business to earn extra money. "Passive income", on the other hand, is income earned with minimal effort, such as from investments or rental properties.