we are just getting by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are just getting by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is managing to survive or cope with difficulties, often implying a lack of abundance or comfort. Example: "Despite the challenges we face, we are just getting by, making sure to cover our basic needs each month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"There is high unemployment, no safety in the streets, and we are just getting by," said Eusebio Rodríguez, 41, a laid-off mechanic.

The New York Times

We all have opinions and beliefs — some of us even live by them when convenient — but mostly, we are just getting by.

The Washington Post

A quick look at our family budget, which I will happily share with the White House, will show him that like many Americans, we are just getting by despite seeming to be rich.

Forbes

We are just getting by".

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Based on conceptual similarities of the response categories, we dichotomized this variable into those living very well off and living comfortably ("high" subjective economic status), and those who are just getting by, almost poor, and poor ("low" subjective economic status).

BMC International Health and Human Rights

"My husband and I both have to work full time, and we're just getting by".

The New York Times

As a nation, we have virtually no savings, not only because we consumed too much, but also because we were just getting by.

The New York Times

But farmers who are just getting by tend to be out of the subsidy loop.

The New York Times

If you don't, you are not really choosing, you are just getting by".

The Guardian

Higher rates will also make life harder for people who are just getting by.

The New York Times

Some are prosperous, some are just getting by, none are desperate they've all achieved a baseline of sustenance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are just getting by" to express a sense of managing with limited resources or facing ongoing challenges. It's ideal for situations where a more dramatic phrase isn't necessary, but you still want to convey a sense of struggle.

Common error

Avoid using "we are just getting by" when the situation is significantly dire or involves extreme hardship. This phrase implies a manageable, albeit difficult, situation. Using it in severe contexts can minimize the true extent of the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are just getting by" functions as a statement describing a state of barely managing to survive or cope. As shown in Ludwig, this expression is frequently used to depict scenarios where resources are limited, and existence is maintained with difficulty. This aligns with Ludwig AI assessment that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are just getting by" is a common expression used to describe a state of barely managing to survive or cope with difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It typically implies a lack of abundance or comfort, often related to financial constraints or challenging circumstances. While there are several alternative phrases, such as "we are barely making ends meet" or "we are just scraping by", it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding exaggeration when describing severe situations. This expression is frequently found in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts, reflecting its wide applicability in describing various aspects of everyday struggles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are barely making ends meet

Focuses more on the financial aspect of struggling.

we are just scraping by

Emphasizes the difficulty in obtaining basic necessities.

we are barely surviving

Highlights a state of minimal existence, lacking comfort or security.

we are managing to get along

Suggests a level of social or interpersonal harmony despite limited resources.

we are eking out a living

Implies considerable effort is required to maintain a basic standard of living.

we are hand to mouth

Describes living without any savings or reserves.

we are living paycheck to paycheck

Focuses specifically on the reliance on immediate income to cover expenses.

we are at subsistence level

Indicates a minimal level of resources necessary to support life.

we are living on the breadline

Refers to living in extreme poverty, near the minimum income level.

we are struggling to stay afloat

Conveys the difficulty in maintaining stability amid challenging circumstances.

FAQs

What does "we are just getting by" mean?

The phrase "we are just getting by" means that a person or group is managing to survive or cope with a difficult situation, often with limited resources or means. It suggests a state of barely managing to meet basic needs.

How can I use "we are just getting by" in a sentence?

You can use "we are just getting by" to describe a situation where someone is managing to survive or cope with difficulties, often implying a lack of abundance or comfort. For example: "Despite the challenges we face, "we are just getting by", making sure to cover our basic needs each month."

What are some alternatives to "we are just getting by"?

You can use alternatives like "we are barely making ends meet", "we are just scraping by", or "we are barely surviving" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we are just getting by"?

Yes, the phrase "we are just getting by" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows standard grammar rules and is widely understood.