a body of work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a body of work" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person's overall collection of creative works or accomplishments, such as art, literature, music, or research. It can also refer to a specific set of works within a particular field or topic. Example: "The renowned artist's most recent exhibition showcased her impressive body of work, spanning over three decades of groundbreaking pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They have a body of work.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a body of work.

The Guardian - Music

I have a body of work.

The Guardian - Film

"It's a body of work," he said.

The New Yorker

As a body of work, though, it seemed … variable.

The Guardian - Music

As a body of work, do they endure?

The Guardian - Film

So how do you show a body of work?

Independent

The idea is to build a body of work".

The New York Times

Leaves behind a loving family and a body of work that made him happy.

The New York Times

THERE'S nothing like an autobiographical film to shed significant light on a body of work.

The New York Times

As she explained to me at the time, you gradually build up a body of work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing an artist or professional's accomplishments, use "a body of work" to refer to their comprehensive output, highlighting their experience and expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "a body of work" to describe a single project or achievement. This phrase is best suited for referring to a collection of related works over time.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a body of work" is that of a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the complete or substantial collection of pieces or projects produced by an individual or group, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a body of work" is a noun phrase signifying the comprehensive collection of creative, professional, or academic outputs by an individual or group. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in contexts such as "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business". The phrase is considered neutral and appropriate for formal contexts, aimed to convey the scope, significance, and impact of cumulative accomplishments. When using the phrase, it's crucial to ensure it reflects a substantial and varied collection rather than a single project. Alternatives like "collected works" or "entire oeuvre" can be used based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

life's work

This phrase emphasizes the dedication and time invested in creating the collection, often implying a significant personal investment.

entire oeuvre

This is a more formal term, often used in artistic contexts, referring to the complete collection of an artist's work.

collected works

This alternative emphasizes the act of gathering or compiling individual pieces into a single collection.

complete portfolio

This term is often used in professional or artistic contexts to showcase a range of skills and accomplishments.

legacy of creations

This term implies a lasting impact or influence resulting from the collection of work.

total output

This term highlights the quantity or amount produced, focusing on the overall productivity.

artistic production

This alternative highlights the creative process and the tangible results of artistic effort.

extensive catalog

This alternative suggests a well-organized and comprehensive collection, often used for artistic or commercial purposes.

cumulative achievements

This phrase highlights the progress and accumulation of successes over time, focusing on the impact of the work.

sum of accomplishments

This alternative emphasizes the collective value and impact of individual achievements.

FAQs

How can I use "a body of work" in a sentence?

You can use "a body of work" to describe the collective artistic, literary, or professional output of an individual or group. For example, "The museum showcased the artist's impressive "a body of work" spanning 50 years".

What is another way to say "a body of work"?

Alternatives to "a body of work" include "collected works", "total output", or "entire oeuvre". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a body of work" in formal writing?

Yes, "a body of work" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and widely understood phrase for describing someone's accumulated achievements.

Can "a body of work" refer to future projects, or only past accomplishments?

"A body of work" typically refers to accomplishments that have already been completed. To discuss future projects, you could say someone is "building "a body of work"".