What is earn? Pronunciation and usage in English

earn means . Learn how to pronounce and use earn through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of earn

earnverb

/əːn/
Definition & pronunciation of earn

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "earn" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcriptions and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /ɜːrn/ (This is the most common pronunciation in American English)
  • /iːrn/ (This is the most common pronunciation in British English)

2. Breakdown & Explanation:

  • "er" sound: This is the tricky part. It's a short, lax vowel sound. It's not like the "air" in "air" or the "ear" in "hear." It's a sound somewhere between "err" and "ah."

    • American English: Think of the "a" in "bird" or "her." It's a quick, low-pitched "er."
    • British English: The "er" is slightly higher in your mouth, closer to the "ee" in "see," but still short and a bit lax.

  • "n" sound: This is a standard "n" sound.

3. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Don’t over-emphasize the "er": It's a very short sound. Don't try to stretch it out.
  • Focus on the vowel: Really concentrate on getting the short, lax "er" sound right.
  • Listen to examples: This is crucial. Here are some resources:

4. Common Mistakes:

  • Saying "airn": This is a very common mistake. Don't make the "er" sound like the "air" in "air."
  • Over-emphasizing the "er": Again, it’s a brief sound.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) Knowing your native accent will help me suggest the most appropriate pronunciation.

Usage and examples with the word earn in English

Let's break down how to use the word "earn" in English. It's a really versatile word with several different meanings, but it generally revolves around gaining something through effort, work, or merit.

1. The Most Common Meaning: To Gain Through Work/Effort

This is the core meaning of "earn." It means to receive something (usually money, but it can be other things) as a result of doing something.

  • Examples:
    • "I earn a living by teaching." (I get money by teaching.)
    • "She earned her degree after four years of hard work." (She achieved her degree through studying and effort.)
    • "He earned the trust of his colleagues through his honesty." (He gained their trust by being honest.)
    • "We earned a bonus for exceeding our sales targets." (We received a bonus because we did well.)

2. Forms of "Earn":

  • Earned: Past tense and past participle (used with "have," "had," etc.) – "I earned a lot of money last year." "She has earned a reputation for reliability."
  • Earning: Present participle (used with "being" or as a gerund – a verb acting as a noun) – "He’s earning a good salary." "Earning money is important for independence."

3. Different Contexts & Nuances:

  • Money/Financial Rewards: This is the most frequent usage.
    • "I earn $50,000 a year."
    • "She earned extra money by babysitting."
  • Points/Rewards (Loyalty Programs):
    • "You earn points for every purchase you make."
    • "Customers earn rewards for their loyalty."
  • Recognition/Praise/Status: Sometimes, “earn” implies deserving something through good behavior or achievements.
    • “He earned the respect of his team.”
    • “She earned a scholarship based on her academic performance.”
  • Figurative Usage (Often with "a lesson"): "You earn your keep." (You deserve the compensation you receive for your work.) "You earn a reputation."

4. Important Grammar Points:

  • "Earn" + Noun: It’s often followed by a noun describing what is being earned. (e.g., "earn money," "earn a reward," "earn a reputation").
  • "Earn" + Verb (ing): It can be used as a gerund (a verb acting as a noun). (e.g., “Earning a good income is important.”)

Let’s Practice!

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "earn":

  1. I hope to _______ a promotion at my job. (earn)
  2. She _______ a scholarship for playing the piano. (earned)
  3. We _______ points by shopping at the store. (earn)
  4. _______ a living is the most important thing. (earning)

Answers:

  1. earn
  2. earned
  3. earn
  4. Earning

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific type of usage (e.g., earning money)?
  • Create some exercises for you to practice?

Synonyms for the word earn

Idioms of the word earn

earn a/your crust
(British English, informal)to earn enough money to live on
  • I’ve been an actor for 20 years, earning a crust wherever I can.
earn your keep
to do useful or helpful things in return for being allowed to live or stay somewhere
  • He was willing to earn his keep.
to be worth the amount of time or money that is being spent
  • He felt he no longer deserved such a high salary. He just wasn't earning his keep.
  • All this new technology will have to earn its keep.
earn your stripes
(informal)to get a position or reputation you deserve through work or achievements
  • If you want to earn your stripes in journalism, you need to start at the bottom.
  • With elite football, you really do have to earn your stripes.
win/earn your spurs
(formal)to become famous or successful

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