a basic job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic job" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a job that requires minimal skills or qualifications, often considered entry-level or straightforward. Example: "After graduating, I took a basic job at a local grocery store to gain some work experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Washington should have eliminated the payroll tax, given every state $500 per resident and offered a basic job to anyone who wanted one.

The New York Times

Mr. Kallemeyn said he typically spends about an hour converting a client's text or image into a stamp-like plate, another one to two hours preparing the press, then around three hours printing a basic job.

The New York Times

But judging by the number of overqualified female MBAs and law-school graduates who are queuing for even a basic job as a secretary, it is a high percentage.In this section Solving GE's big problem All over?

The Economist

Being good at Go is a basic job requirement, and when the world's third biggest toy maker takes you off to the country to brainstorm ideas for a new product it hardly seems like work at all.

The Guardian - Books

"If they're renovating to sell, all they care about is doing a basic job, making it look good and then selling the apartment," said Salvatore Catinella, an account executive at the real estate management firm Midboro Management.

The New York Times

"In an industry where being tough is a basic job requirement," said Peter Hauspurg, chairman of Eastern Consolidated Properties, "this guy is the head instructor and no one wants to go into his classroom if they don't have to".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Why would you want to read a cheap little news sheet that is maybe doing a very basic job?" McNair does not believe the end of mX spells the end of newspapers.

The Guardian

Mr Lightman continued: "The very real challenge that we will face is to convince them that staying on in education or training is the right thing to do, rather than dropping out and going for a very basic job.

BBC

You should never go into a job interview without having prepared for it beforehand, even if it's for something you consider a menial, basic job that you think you can't possibly fail to get.

WikiHow

As a lobbyists, your most basic job is to persuade a congressperson or a group of people that a particular idea holds traction or that a particular policy deserves attention.

WikiHow

The agency helped him look for effective medication and enrolled him in a workshop to learn basic job skills, like working in a factory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a job, consider whether the term "a basic job" accurately conveys the simplicity or entry-level nature of the position. Alternatives like "an entry-level job" or "a simple job" might provide more specific nuance.

Common error

Be careful not to use "a basic job" when the role requires more specialized skills than the term implies. Overstating the simplicity of a role can misrepresent its true demands and expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic job" functions as a noun phrase, serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It typically identifies a position requiring minimal skills or experience. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

18%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a basic job" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a position that requires minimal skills or experience. As noted by Ludwig AI, it’s a versatile term used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's important to consider whether it accurately reflects the demands of the role, as oversimplification can be misleading. Alternative phrases like "an entry-level job" or "a simple job" may sometimes be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple job

Focuses on the straightforward nature of the task, emphasizing ease and lack of complexity.

an entry-level job

Highlights the position as an initial step in a career, suitable for those with little experience.

a low-skill job

Emphasizes the minimal skills required to perform the job duties.

a rudimentary job

Suggests a job involving fundamental or elementary tasks.

a menial job

Highlights the humble or subservient nature of the work involved.

a starter job

Implies the job is meant to be a temporary or initial position to gain experience.

a foundational job

Stresses the job's role in building a base for future career advancement.

an unskilled position

Similar to a low-skill job, emphasizing the lack of specialized training needed.

a straightforward task

Shifts the focus from job to task, emphasizing its uncomplicated nature.

an easy undertaking

Highlights the lack of difficulty involved in the job or task.

FAQs

What does "a basic job" mean?

The term "a basic job" typically refers to a job that requires minimal skills, experience, or training. It's often used to describe entry-level positions or jobs with straightforward tasks.

What can I say instead of "a basic job"?

You can use alternatives like "an entry-level position", "a simple job", or "a low-skill job" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a basic job"?

Not necessarily. While it can sometimes imply a lack of prestige or skill, it can also simply describe a straightforward or uncomplicated task. The connotation depends on the context and tone.

How do I describe the skills required for "a basic job" in a resume?

Focus on transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Highlight any specific skills that are relevant to the particular "simple job" you're applying for.