Collocations About Money

In the intricate world of finance, the language we use is a reflection of our dealings, aspirations, and often, our societal values. The English language is abundant with collocations about money—a testament to its central role in our lives. These collocations not only make our speech more natural but also help us navigate complex financial concepts. Here we explore these linguistic pairings, exemplifying their usage and the nuances they carry.

Earning and Income

Earn a living: This collocation refers to the act of making enough money to sustain oneself.

Example: Despite technological advancements, millions still earn a living through manual labor.

Generate income: Often used in business, this phrase signifies the creation of financial earnings.

Example: The new app was designed to generate income through in-app purchases and advertising.

Receive a salary: This is a common way to refer to the periodic payment for employment.

Example: Each month, teachers in the district receive a salary that reflects their dedication to educating our youth.

Draw an income: This phrase typically relates to obtaining money from investments or retirement funds.

Example: After decades of contributions, the elderly couple could finally draw an income from their retirement savings.

Gain profits: To obtain financial gains, usually from business or investment activities.

Example: The company hoped to gain profits from its overseas expansion.

Spending and Expenses

Incur expenses: To have costs as a result of doing something.

Example: The family incurred significant expenses during their home renovation.

Allocate funds: The act of distributing money for a specific purpose.

Example: The charity needed to carefully allocate funds to ensure aid reached those in need.

Cover expenses: To provide enough money to pay for certain costs.

Example: The grant helped the researcher cover expenses for her groundbreaking study.

Manage finances: The act of overseeing and handling monetary affairs.

Example: Newlyweds often face the challenge of learning to manage finances together.

Pay off debt: To finish repaying money that was borrowed.

Example: After years of sacrifice, they were finally able to pay off their student loan debt.

Saving and Investment

Save money: The process of setting aside funds for future use.

Example: Many people struggle to save money in an economy riddled with high living costs.

Invest funds: To put money into financial schemes with the expectation of achieving a profit.

Example: Savvy investors know when to invest funds into the stock market.

Accumulate wealth: The gradual gathering of assets and money.

Example: He was able to accumulate wealth through a combination of smart investments and frugality.

Grow capital: To increase the value of one’s initial investment.

Example: Real estate can be an effective way to grow capital over time.

Build reserves: To create a fund or supply of money that can be called upon when needed.

Example: Prudent companies build reserves to weather unforeseen financial storms.

Wealth and Affluence

Amass fortune: To gather a large amount of money, often over a long period.

Example: She was able to amass a fortune by investing in early-stage technology companies.

Exhibit affluence: To display wealth or the state of having a great deal of money.

Example: Luxury cars lined the driveway, each one a symbol of the homeowner’s ability to exhibit affluence.

Attain prosperity: To achieve success, especially financial wealth.

Example: Through determination and innovation, the entrepreneur hoped to attain prosperity.

Hold assets: To possess items of value, such as property or stocks.

Example: Despite the economic downturn, he still held assets that secured his financial position.

Wield economic power: To have influence or control because of wealth.

Example: The city’s wealthiest individuals wielded economic power, often swaying public policy.

Financial Management and Strategy

Balance budgets: To ensure that spending does not exceed revenue.

Example: The finance minister pledged to balance the budget within the next fiscal year.

Leverage resources: To use something to its maximum advantage, especially capital.

Example: The firm sought to leverage its resources by investing in cutting-edge technologies.

Mitigate risks: To take actions to reduce the potential for unwanted outcomes.

Example: Insurance policies are one way individuals and companies can mitigate financial risks.

Maximize profits: To make as much money as possible from a business activity.

Example: By streamlining their operations, the company was able to maximize profits.

Optimize spending: To use money in the most effective and efficient way.

Example: The non-profit needed to optimize spending to ensure the most impact per donated dollar.

Debt and Financial Difficulty

Accrue debt: To accumulate debt over time.

Example: Without careful financial planning, it’s easy for small businesses to accrue debt.

Drown in debt: To be overwhelmed by the amount of money owed.

Example: After years of relying on credit cards for everyday expenses, John found himself drowning in debt.

Service debt: To make interest payments on borrowed money.

Example: Many countries spend a significant portion of their budget just to service their national debt.

Restructure debt: To alter the terms of debt repayment, often to avoid default.

Example: The company had to restructure its debt with creditors to avoid bankruptcy.

Default on loans: Failure to repay a loan according to the terms agreed upon.

Example: The economic crisis led to a spike in homeowners defaulting on their mortgages.

Financial Uncertainty and Crisis

Face bankruptcy: To be in a situation where one is unable to meet financial obligations and is legally insolvent.

Example: Several iconic retail stores faced bankruptcy as online shopping became the norm.

Suffer losses: To experience a reduction in wealth, typically through business operations or investments.

Example: During the market crash, even seasoned investors suffered heavy losses.

Weather economic downturns: To endure periods of reduced business activity and lower economic growth.

Example: Only the most resilient companies can weather economic downturns unscathed.

Undergo a recession: To experience a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy.

Example: The country is expected to undergo a recession as consumer confidence and industrial production wane.

Navigate financial hardship: To manage a situation in which financial resources are limited.

Example: After the plant closed, the town had to navigate financial hardship with little outside assistance.

Money and Ethics

Launder money: The illegal process of making large amounts of money generated by a criminal activity appear to have come from a legitimate source.

Example: The crime syndicate used a chain of legitimate businesses to launder their money.

Bribe officials: To give money in order to influence the actions of someone in a position of power dishonestly.

Example: The scandal involved high-ranking officials who were bribed to award contracts to certain companies.

Embezzle funds: To steal or misappropriate money placed in one’s trust or belonging to the organization for which one works.

Example: The treasurer was caught trying to embezzle funds from the club’s account.

Tax evasion: The illegal non-payment or underpayment of taxes.

Example: Celebrities and business moguls alike have been charged with tax evasion.

Squander resources: To waste money or supplies in a reckless and foolish manner.

Example: The new CEO was determined to turn the company around and stop squandering its resources.

Final Thoughts

The phrases and examples provided here barely scratch the surface of the myriad collocations about money present in the English language. These linguistic constructs are not just tools of communication; they reflect our societal attitudes towards wealth, our understanding of economics, and the moral implications of financial conduct. By understanding and using these collocations appropriately, we can discuss money matters with greater clarity and insight, whether in personal finance, business dealings, or understanding global economic trends. As we navigate the financial world, these collocations serve as guideposts, helping us articulate the complexities of economic life.