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Grammar fix

earn money

get paid

to receive money for working or providing a service.

collocationB1core

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • She earns money by teaching English online.work
  • In my opinion, teenagers should learn how to earn money, because it teaches them responsibility and independence.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: earn money (by doing something)

WrongI earn money for working in a café.

RightI earn money working in a café. / I earn money from my café job.

Use '-ing' or 'from' — not 'for working'.

Patternearn money (by doing something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I obtain remuneration through freelance work.

Natural I earn money doing freelance work.

'Earn money' is the plain phrase; 'obtain remuneration' is a payslip.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • earn money (+ doing)
    a livingenoughgood moneyfrom

Don't confuse it

'Earn money' is different from 'make money' in that 'make money' can also mean to profit from investments or business, not just from working.

Try it in Daily Speak →