a line of work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a line of work" is a common phrase used in written English.
It is used to refer to a type of job or profession. For example: "She decided to pursue a line of work in the finance industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The trip also challenged me to pursue a line of work that I find meaningful.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Her conspicuous self-effacement suits a line of work that rewards discretion.

The New Yorker

And we're talking about a line of work in which virtually all satisfaction is paycheck-dependent.

The New York Times

In a line of work that can be dangerous, the two men seemed to have developed respect for each another.

The New York Times

Giving characters a line of work is a way to make them begin to be plausible to me.

The New Yorker

I took such a different path from my friends, pursued a line of work that invites instability.

The New York Times

Needless to say, it isn't a line of work that allows much time for a work/life balance.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a line of work where the headaches must outnumber the victories by a factor of 100.

The New York Times

Garick said she hopes to go into a line of work after graduation that will allow her to indulge both her engineering and theater sides.

Yale University

Still, instead of riding her platinum C.V. and last name to the top of a masthead, she chose a line of work where connections mean little.

The New York Times

In 2009, when the Levi's jeans company wanted to use Braddock to promote a line of work clothes, it approached Fetterman, not the borough council.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing career options or transitions, use "a line of work" to introduce the general field before specifying a particular role. This helps to set the context before diving into specifics.

Common error

Avoid using "a line of work" in very informal contexts where simpler terms like "job" or "career" would sound more natural. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a line of work" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a general type of employment or profession. As Ludwig AI underlines, its use is common in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a line of work" is a versatile phrase used to generally describe a profession or type of employment. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across different contexts, ranging from academia and scientific research to news media and general discussions. It's grammatically sound and functions as a noun phrase, serving the purpose of categorizing or describing one's job. When writing, be mindful of the context and avoid using it in very informal settings where simpler terms might be more appropriate. Knowing alternative phrases like "profession" or "career" can also enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Profession

A more concise term referring to a specific occupation or career.

Occupation

Similar to "profession", but can also include less formal or skilled types of work.

Career path

Focuses on the progression and direction of someone's professional life.

Field of employment

Highlights the sector or industry in which someone is employed.

Area of expertise

Emphasizes the specialized knowledge and skills someone possesses in their work.

Vocation

Implies a strong sense of calling or purpose associated with one's work.

Trade

Typically refers to skilled manual labor or craft.

Line of business

Refers to the type of commercial activity a company or individual engages in.

Work sector

Highlights the segment of the economy where the job takes place.

Job market

Refers to the general availability of employment opportunities in a specific field.

FAQs

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

You can use "a line of work" to refer to a specific type of job or profession, as in, "She is pursuing "a line of work" in environmental conservation".

What's a simpler way to say "a line of work"?

Alternatives include "job", "profession", or "career". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "line of work" or "field of work"?

"Line of work" and "field of work" are often interchangeable, but "line of work" might be preferred when emphasizing the specific type of job, while "field of work" could highlight the broader industry or area of expertise. For example: She is exploring "a line of work" in programming.

Can I use "a line of work" to describe a hobby?

While technically you could, "a line of work" typically implies a paid occupation or profession. It's more common to use it in a professional or career-oriented context, not for describing hobbies.