sole breadwinner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole breadwinner" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who is the only provider of financial support for a family. For example: "My father was the sole breadwinner for our family of four."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vick was Phillips's sole breadwinner.

The New York Times - Sports

And I'm still the sole breadwinner.

The New York Times

Dr. Haneef was the family's sole breadwinner.

The New York Times

I never thought I'd be a sole breadwinner.

The New York Times

Richard became the sole breadwinner and home carer.

The Guardian

I am the sole breadwinner for a family of five.

The Guardian

My parents had divorced, and my mother was left as the sole breadwinner.

The New York Times

My father was the sole breadwinner, so he often worked remotely for weeks on end.

The Washington Post

When his father died, Mr. Chopra became the sole breadwinner for a family of 25.

The New York Times

"Families where the dad is the sole breadwinner are in the minority these days," McNeil said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dad was the sole breadwinner; today, my wife makes more than me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contemporary writing, be mindful of gender stereotypes associated with "sole breadwinner", and ensure your usage is inclusive and reflects the diverse economic roles within families.

Common error

Avoid implying that the "sole breadwinner" is the only contributing member of the household. Recognize and acknowledge the value of unpaid labor, such as childcare or household management, performed by other family members.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole breadwinner" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It identifies the individual who is the exclusive source of income for a family or household.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sole breadwinner" accurately describes the individual who is the only financial provider for a family. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It is frequently used in various contexts like news, business, and scientific publications. While grammatically sound, it's important to use the term thoughtfully, acknowledging the potential for gendered connotations and the value of non-monetary contributions from other family members. Alternatives like "primary income earner" can be used depending on the specific situation. The high frequency of its occurrence signals its common understanding and utility in contemporary discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole income source

Directly points at the fact that there is only one way that money is entering into the household.

primary income earner

Focuses on the role as the main source of income, rather than the only source.

main provider

Highlights the act of providing, which may include emotional and physical support, not just financial.

chief wage earner

Emphasizes the earning of wages as the primary contribution.

financial support

Directly refers to the act of giving financial assistance and does not need to be the only one.

family's financial backbone

Uses a metaphor to illustrate the essential role in maintaining the family's economic stability.

household's main revenue source

Focuses on the revenue aspect of the household, often used in economic or statistical contexts.

economic engine of the family

Emphasizes the role of the person as the active driver of the family's financial well-being.

family's financial anchor

Implies stability and security from a monetary point of view.

financial mainstay

Stresses reliability and long-term support.

FAQs

What does "sole breadwinner" mean?

The term "sole breadwinner" refers to the person in a household who is the only one earning an income and providing financial support for the family.

What are some alternatives to saying "sole breadwinner"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "primary income earner", "main provider", or "chief wage earner".

Is it still common for one person to be the "sole breadwinner" in a family?

While it was more common in the past, the "sole breadwinner" model is becoming less prevalent as dual-income households become increasingly common. However, it still exists in many families due to various circumstances.

How does being the "sole breadwinner" affect financial planning?

Being the "sole breadwinner" can add pressure to financial planning, as all the financial responsibility rests on one person. It often requires careful budgeting, insurance planning, and retirement savings strategies.