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.
In my country, many people earn a living by running small family businesses, especially in rural areas.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She earns her life as a teacher.
Say: She earns a living as a teacher.
'Earn a living' — not 'earn your life'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'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
- as
- by
- a decent
- make a