Is 'make ends meet' the right phrase when talking about struggling with monthly bills?
I'm writing a short story about a family that's having trouble paying their bills, and I want to use a natural-sounding English phrase. I keep hearing people say 'make ends meet,' but I'm not sure if this is the right expression.
For example, should I write: 'They work hard every day just to make ends meet,' or is there a better way to say they're struggling financially? I want to make sure my writing sounds natural to native speakers.
Also, is it okay to use 'make ends meet' in formal writing, or is it just for casual conversation?
Context:
ESL learner; writing for a general audience; interested in everyday English expressions
What to Know
| What to Know | Why It Matters | Example | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| As for formality, this idiom is suitable for both everyday conversation and many types of stories, but very formal financial reports might use alternatives. | The phrase "make ends meet" is a common English idiom used to describe the challenge of having enough money to cover basic expenses, especially when resources. | They take extra jobs every month to make ends meet. | Does this idiom fit my exact meaning and situation? |
| Avoid this idiom when the context is literal or the meaning could confuse readers. | This keeps the idiom natural and avoids overly literal wording. | In literal situations, use direct wording instead of the idiom. | Would this idiom sound natural to a native speaker in this exact context? |
3 Answers
Explanation:
The phrase "make ends meet" is a common English idiom used to describe the challenge of having enough money to cover basic expenses, especially when resources are tight. The standard pattern is "[subject] [does something] to make ends meet," emphasizing the effort required to meet financial obligations.
Examples:
- Natural: "They take extra jobs every month to make ends meet."
- Less appropriate: "They struggle to make their bills meet." (Incorrect idiom usage)
Practice Step:
Try writing two sentences: one using "make ends meet" and another using your own words to explain financial struggle. Then, compare: Does your sentence clearly show financial difficulty? Does "make ends meet" fit the context of working hard to pay essentials?
Self-check:
If your sentence describes trying to pay for basic necessities (like rent, groceries, bills), "make ends meet" is appropriate. As for formality, this idiom is suitable for both everyday conversation and many types of stories, but very formal financial reports might use alternatives like "cover their expenses."
Explanation:
Choosing between "make ends meet" and other expressions depends on narrative context. "Make ends meet" is natural for everyday speech and narrative writing, while alternatives like "keep their heads above water" add nuance. Avoid literal translations or awkward phrases.
Examples:
- Natural: "Every month, they barely make ends meet."
- Alternative phrase: "Every month, they struggle to keep their heads above water."
Practice Activity:
Select a sentence from your story and substitute "make ends meet" with a similar phrase. Examine which version conveys the intended emotion and clarity.
Guidance:
Avoid phrases that do not exist in English (e.g., "make bills meet"). Stick to commonly used idioms or straightforward statements about financial strain.
Explanation:
You can choose between idiomatic and direct ways to describe financial struggle. "Make ends meet" is idiomatic, while phrases like "struggle to pay their bills" are literal and direct. Both are correct, but they suit different tones.
Examples:
- Idiomatic: "Despite their efforts, the family can barely make ends meet."
- Literal: "Despite their efforts, the family struggles to pay their monthly bills."
Practice Suggestion:
Write two versions of the same sentence, one with "make ends meet" and one directly stating the financial problem. Consider which fits your narrative voice and character perspective best.
Feedback for Self-Editing:
If your story aims for a more emotional or conversational tone, "make ends meet" is excellent. For a straightforward or report-style passage, be more literal.
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