to earn a living

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to earn a living" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the act of making money in order to support oneself and meet one's financial needs. Here is an example: "I work as a freelance writer to earn a living, but my true passion is painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They have to earn a living.

The New York Times

I've never written to earn a living.

The New Yorker

I need to earn a living.

The New York Times

What have you done, until now, to earn a living?

The New Yorker

It seemed a very nice way to earn a living.

Independent

In the meantime, Einstein had to earn a living.

The New Yorker

What's more, she said, "I needed to earn a living".

The New York Times

I have to earn a living," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

God, what a miserable way to earn a living".

The New Yorker

Technology also offers new ways to earn a living.

The Economist

Olga barely manages to earn a living selling costume jewelry.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing career choices or economic necessities, use "to earn a living" to clearly convey the idea of obtaining income for survival and comfort. For example, "Many people choose careers based on their potential to earn a living."

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "to earn a living" with phrases that imply passive income or investment returns. For example, don't say "He earns a living from his investments" if his primary source of income is actually his job.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to earn a living" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as an adverbial of purpose, explaining why someone performs a particular action. It indicates the goal or reason behind engaging in work or other income-generating activities. Ludwig provides many examples where this phrase clarifies the motivation behind various actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to earn a living" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that conveys the fundamental need to secure financial resources for survival. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English. Its frequency across various sources, particularly in News & Media, underscores its common usage. While interchangeable with alternatives like "to make a livelihood" or "to secure an income", it's crucial to avoid ambiguity with phrases implying passive income. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "to earn a living" ensures clear and effective communication in diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make a livelihood

Replaces "living" with "livelihood", emphasizing the means of support.

to secure an income

Focuses on obtaining a regular flow of money.

to support oneself financially

Highlights the aspect of self-sufficiency.

to gain financial independence

Emphasizes autonomy through financial means.

to be self-supporting

A more concise way of saying to support oneself.

to make ends meet

Focuses on covering basic expenses.

to earn one's keep

Implies providing service or labor in exchange for sustenance.

to find gainful employment

Highlights the aspect of finding work that provides profit.

to make a wage

Highlights the method of getting paid an hourly or daily rate.

to draw a salary

Specifically refers to receiving a fixed compensation periodically.

FAQs

How can I use "to earn a living" in a sentence?

You can use "to earn a living" to describe how someone supports themselves financially. For example: "She works as a teacher "to earn a living"" or "Many people pursue freelance work "to earn a living"".

What are some alternatives to "to earn a living"?

Alternatives include "to make a livelihood", "to secure an income", or "to support oneself financially", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "earning a living" instead of "to earn a living"?

Yes, "earning a living" can be used, but it functions differently. "To earn a living" is an infinitive phrase indicating purpose, while "earning a living" is a gerund phrase, often used as a noun. For instance: "Earning a living is hard work" versus "He works hard "to earn a living"".

What's the difference between "to earn a living" and "to make a living"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. Both "to earn a living" and "to make a living" refer to the process of obtaining money to support oneself. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.