a mere job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere job" can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a job that is not very interesting or important. For example: "He was just doing a mere job at the factory, but he was determined to make something of himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"More than a mere job perk, a personalized user experience can help employees be more effective and productive," says Calero.

HuffPost

For many scientists, science is a passion and not a mere job.

EMBO Reports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I made this film for all the teachers who pour their hearts into children, yet live in a world where there is scant appreciation or even understanding that teaching is no mere job, but a manifestation of love, a calling.

Huffington Post

Critics of the orchestra have accused this of being a mere PR job, rather than a full-on facing up to the facts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although she has inherited a paper that appears to have reached saturation point, she denies that she is doing a mere minding job, and her digital experimentation backs this up.

The Guardian

Regenerating a limb could be, in the next decade or two, a mere assembly job of coordinated parts -- muscles, bone, skin -- grown in vitro, seeded upon scaffolds and stimulated by growth factors.

The New York Times - Magazine

He had agreed to take a mere acting job only after his career as Hollywood's wunderkind — at twenty-five, hadhad co-written, produced, directed, and starred in "Citizen Kane" — came to an unhappy end, with his failure to prove that art could turn a profit.

The New Yorker

This is no mere job.

The New York Times - Books

His face is suffused with something quite beyond mere job satisfaction.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Not satisfied with mere job creation, he asserted that "counterintuitively, reducing corporate taxes would also improve wages".

The New Yorker

Not satisfied with mere job creation, he asserted that "counterintuitively, reducing corporate taxes would also improve wages". Most urgently, he called for a dramatic cutback in regulation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere job" when you want to downplay the importance or complexity of a task or occupation. This emphasizes that it's not particularly significant or demanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere job" excessively, as it can sound dismissive or condescending. Consider the context and your audience to ensure it doesn't come across as disrespectful or belittling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere job" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to characterize an occupation or task as insignificant, routine, or lacking in importance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mere job" is used to describe an occupation or task lacking significance or complexity. Ludwig AI analysis and real-world examples indicate that it is grammatically correct and functions as a descriptive phrase. While "a mere job" is not particularly common, it effectively conveys the idea of a job being routine or unimportant, often contrasting it with concepts like career or calling. When writing, be mindful of the context and audience, as the phrase can sometimes come across as dismissive. Remember that alternative phrases such as ""just a job"" or "a simple task" might be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a job

Highlights the lack of personal investment or passion.

only a task

Downplays the significance or importance of the work.

a simple task

Focuses on the ease and lack of complexity involved.

a routine assignment

Highlights the repetitive and ordinary nature of the work.

a minor role

Emphasizes the limited impact or influence of the job.

an easy undertaking

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty or challenge in the job.

a standard position

Highlights the typical and unexceptional nature of the job.

a trivial occupation

Underscores the unimportance and insignificance of the job.

a menial chore

Suggests a humble and often repetitive task.

a basic function

Points to the elemental or fundamental nature of the role.

FAQs

How can I use "a mere job" in a sentence?

You can use "a mere job" to describe work that is not very interesting or important. For example, "He thought his work was "just a job", not a calling."

What's the difference between "a mere job" and "a career"?

"A mere job" implies a task done primarily for income, without much personal investment, while "a career" suggests a long-term professional path with opportunities for advancement and fulfillment.

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

You can use alternatives like "a simple task", "a routine assignment", or ""just a job"" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe someone's profession as "a mere job"?

It depends on the context and your intention. Using "a mere job" can sound dismissive, so consider whether a more neutral term like "a standard position" would be more appropriate.