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 quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

I'm laboring

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

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

Los Angeles Times

For the Young Adult book I'm laboring over, I've created a cover.

News & Media

Huffington Post

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

The New York Times

I'd brought along a laptop computer, and, though I type very quickly, I was laboring to keep up.

News & Media

The New Yorker

My debut was not for a couple of weeks, and I was laboring on a nice, safe essay about Western water rights.

News & Media

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

While she was starting her journalism career and I was laboring away at law school, we made the time.

News & Media

Huffington Post

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

Huffington Post

I remember when I was still on orientation, my preceptor and I were laboring someone who had previously had a cesarean delivery.

News & Media

HuffPost

"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.

"If I were labor right now, I wouldn't risk my future on a failed California governor".

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

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.

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.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: