Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
I'm laboring
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
I am working hard
I am struggling
I am having difficulty
I am striving
I am engaged in
I'm working
I am currently working
tied up
busy
I'm in the middle of something
I'm busy
I can't talk right now
I'm having trouble
I'm struggling with
I'm having trouble with
I'm having a hard time
I'm finding it hard to
I'm in trouble
I am having trouble
I am having issues
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
"I'm laboring, and I'm the healthy one," Singh Rhodes said.
News & Media
For the Young Adult book I'm laboring over, I've created a cover.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
"Where were you when I was laboring in the vineyard?" Mr. Byrd asked.
News & Media
I'd brought along a laptop computer, and, though I type very quickly, I was laboring to keep up.
News & Media
My debut was not for a couple of weeks, and I was laboring on a nice, safe essay about Western water rights.
News & Media
While I was laboring, I paused to read the recent obituary of an enterprising old rambler named Richard Zimmerman, who moved into a cave in 1948 and then rented out the adjoining caves.
News & Media
While she was starting her journalism career and I was laboring away at law school, we made the time.
News & Media
It is Friday night before Labor Day and I am laboring at my first shift bartending a new joint in the Meatpacking District in NYC.
News & Media
I remember when I was still on orientation, my preceptor and I were laboring someone who had previously had a cesarean delivery.
News & Media
"As a writer I'm labor," said one show runner, who spoke on the condition that he not be identified because he was unsure what course he would take in the event of a strike.
News & Media
"If I were labor right now, I wouldn't risk my future on a failed California governor".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "I'm laboring" to convey a sense of prolonged or difficult effort, especially when describing creative or intellectual work. It suggests a more intense engagement than simply "working".
Common error
Avoid using "I'm laboring" when describing routine tasks. It implies a significant level of effort or struggle, so it's inappropriate for simple or easy activities.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "I'm laboring" functions as a present continuous tense construction, indicating an action in progress. It's used to describe an individual's ongoing and often strenuous effort. Ludwig examples show varied contexts, from creative projects to physically demanding situations.
Frequent in
News & Media
67%
Academia
17%
Science
16%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "I'm laboring" is a grammatically sound phrase signifying ongoing, often difficult work. Ludwig indicates a relatively uncommon but consistently acceptable usage, mostly in journalistic contexts. The phrase conveys more intensity and prolonged effort compared to alternatives such as "I am working hard" or "I am toiling". As such, consider using it when you want to emphasize not just the work, but also the effort and potential difficulty involved.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
I am toiling
Replaces "laboring" with "toiling", emphasizing the strenuous nature of the work.
I am working hard
Simplifies the phrase to highlight the effort being put into the work.
I am struggling
Focuses on the difficulty experienced while working.
I am having difficulty
Highlights the challenges faced during the activity.
I am striving
Emphasizes the effort to achieve a particular goal.
I am exerting myself
Stresses the physical or mental effort being applied.
I am putting in effort
Highlights the active investment of energy into a task.
I am occupied with
Focuses on the state of being busy or engaged with a task.
I am engaged in
Indicates involvement or participation in a particular activity.
I am immersed in
Highlights the deep level of involvement and focus on the activity.
FAQs
What does "I'm laboring" mean?
The phrase "I'm laboring" means that you are working hard or struggling with a task, especially a long or difficult one.
How can I use "I'm laboring" in a sentence?
You can use it to describe a difficult or prolonged effort, such as "I'm laboring over this report and can't seem to finish it" or "I'm laboring to understand this complex theory".
What are some alternatives to "I'm laboring"?
You can use alternatives like "I am toiling", "I am working hard", or "I am struggling" depending on the context.
Is "I'm laboring" formal or informal?
While not overly formal, "I'm laboring" suggests a more intense and prolonged effort than casual alternatives. Consider your audience; in very formal settings, a more neutral phrase might be preferable.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested