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Grammar fix

earn a living

make money to support yourself

To make enough money to pay for your basic needs, such as food, housing, and bills, usually by working.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • She earns a living by teaching English to international students.work
  • In my country, many people earn a living by running small family businesses, especially in rural areas.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: earn a living (by doing something)

WrongShe earns her life as a teacher.

RightShe earns a living as a teacher.

'Earn a living' — not 'earn your life'.

Patternearn a living (by doing something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff She procures her sustenance through writing.

Natural She earns a living by writing.

'Procures her sustenance' is absurd; 'earn / make a living' is the natural phrase.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • earn a living
    asbya decentmake a

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'make a living', which is a near synonym but 'earn' focuses on working for the money.

Try it in Daily Speak →