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Tenacious Learner Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Two synonyms for 'earn', possible?

Hi Teachers,

According to this sentence:

He never earned more than $75 a week.

Can I use these two synonyms to explain the underlined verb?

a) He never gained more than $75 a week.

b) He never made more than $75 a week.

Thanks in advance
  

Top answer

Hi, 'Gained' is not really natural. 'Made' is the most common term. Clive

— Clive

  • Hi, 'Gained' is not really natural.
  • 'Made' is the most common term.
  • Clive
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14 Answers
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Hi,

'Gained' is not really natural.

'Made' is the most common term.

Clive
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Hi Clive,

Ok it may not be natural. But to understand the word 'earn', it helps. Though I tell the students that they should only use 'earn' or 'made' when they talk about what someone recieves in return for their work.

Can I use it then?
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Hi,

Sure, if you want to.

You might also consider 'received' or 'got'.

Clive
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Hi Clive,

Thank you for the reply and extra information. Emotion: smile

Best regards.

TS
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Thinking SpainBut to understand the word 'earn', it helps. ...
Can I use it then?
Are you coddling your students with cognates?
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Hi Jim

Yes, I am coddling them. Is it horrible?Emotion: sweating

They have previously read a short story. This stor has a few
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Thinking SpainYes, I am coddling them. Is it horrible? Emotion: sweating
Yes!
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Hi Jim,

But if you take a looser view of what a synonym is, you can get away with it.

Menos mal.

What about, 'recieved in return for their work'?

I guess it is a good one.
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Hi,

In a classroom, I would probably take this approach.

He earns $75 a week. = His pay is $75 a week.

He never earned more than $75 a week. = His pay was never more than $75 a week.

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Thinking Spainrecieved received in return for their work
That works. Consider Clive's idea as well.

CJ
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