work to live

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work to live" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea that one works primarily to earn a living rather than for the sake of ambition or career fulfillment. Example: "Many people adopt the philosophy of work to live, prioritizing their personal lives over their jobs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Money

Opinion

Arts

Books

Tech

Magazine

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We must work to live".

The New York Times

Work to live; don't live to work.

The New York Times

It was the evening's only work to live music.

The New York Times - Arts

It requires work to live small, Mr. Koren added.

The New York Times

I work to live; I do not live to work.

The New York Times - Tech

"A man must work to live within his means".

The Guardian - Books

I live to work and I work to live".

The New York Times - Arts

"They work to live instead of living to work".

The New York Times

We work to live, we don't live to work.

The Guardian - Money

I work to live; that's why I'm leaving.

The New York Times - Magazine

Right now, there's not enough work to live in Philadelphia and just make films.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for policies promoting better work-life balance, frame your arguments using "work to live" as a core value, highlighting the importance of employee well-being and personal time.

Common error

Avoid implying that those who "work to live" lack ambition. Instead, recognize their prioritization of personal well-being and life balance, which is a valid and valuable choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work to live" functions as an idiomatic expression or adage, Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. It often serves as a concise way to express a philosophy or personal value regarding the role of work in one's life.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

15%

Money

10%

Less common in

Arts

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work to live" is a common expression that embodies a philosophy prioritizing life outside of work. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It often serves to contrast with the idea of "live to work", where career ambitions take precedence. Usage is frequent in News & Media, Opinion pieces and discussions about Money, reflecting societal concerns about work-life balance. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context is clear and that you're emphasizing the value of personal well-being, not implying a lack of professional ambition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

labor for sustenance

Focuses on the basic need for work to provide essential resources.

earn a livelihood

Emphasizes the act of gaining the means to support oneself through work.

work as a means to an end

Highlights that work is not the ultimate goal but a way to achieve other things.

labor to survive

Underscores the necessity of work for basic survival.

work to make ends meet

Focuses on working to cover basic expenses and avoid financial difficulty.

work to support oneself

Emphasizes the self-sufficiency aspect of working.

work for the necessities of life

Highlights that work provides the fundamental requirements for living.

work to pay the bills

Focuses specifically on covering financial obligations through work.

work to fund one's life

Emphasizes work as a financial source for personal pursuits and lifestyle.

work to get by

Suggests working just enough to manage daily life and avoid hardship.

FAQs

What does it mean to "work to live"?

To "work to live" means that you work primarily to earn a living and support your life outside of work, rather than living primarily for your career or professional ambitions.

What's the difference between "work to live" and "live to work"?

"Work to live" prioritizes life outside of work, seeing a job as a means to an end. "Live to work" prioritizes career and professional achievement, with work often taking precedence over personal life.

How can I use "work to live" in a sentence?

You can say, "She decided to "work to live", taking a less demanding job that allowed her more time with her family" or "Many Europeans "work to live", valuing their leisure time and personal pursuits as much as their careers".

Are there any synonyms for "work to live"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "labor for sustenance", "earn a livelihood", or "work as a means to an end" to convey a similar meaning.