a regular job

USAGE SUMMARY

"a regular job" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a job that is done on a consistent and predictable basis, usually for a set number of hours per week. Example: After years of working odd jobs, Tom finally landed a regular job at a local law firm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He will never hold a regular job.

The New York Times - Magazine

Creative work isn't a regular job.

The New York Times

"I don't have a regular job".

The New York Times

Bill Caldwell gave him a regular job.

The Guardian

Would he get a regular job again?

The New York Times

"Just like a regular job," one of the grannies noted.

The Economist

I only managed because my husband had a regular job".

The New York Times

In fact, no Gypsy here has a regular job.

The New York Times

Vanhoenacker, however, does know what a regular job is like.

The Guardian

Most apprenticeships are full-time like a regular job.

The Guardian

"I did welding, a regular job, over there".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In career advice contexts, use "a regular job" to represent the conventional path to success and stability.

Common error

Avoid implying that having "a regular job" is the only or best path for everyone. Acknowledge diverse career preferences and the value of alternative work arrangements like freelancing or entrepreneurship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a regular job" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It refers to employment that is consistent, predictable, and often full-time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a regular job" denotes stable, consistent employment, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. This phrase, functioning as a noun phrase, serves to describe a state of employment, often contrasted with less stable work arrangements. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. The phrase is very common, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. When using this phrase, consider the potential assumptions about career preferences and emphasize the stability and predictability it represents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steady employment

Focuses on the consistent nature of the work.

permanent position

Emphasizes the long-term aspect of the job.

full-time job

Highlights the number of hours worked per week.

stable occupation

Stresses the security and dependability of the work.

nine-to-five job

Refers to a job with standard business hours.

conventional career

Highlights a typical or traditional job path.

traditional job

Similar to conventional career, but emphasizes the adherence to established work norms.

fixed employment

Emphasizes the guarantee and secured nature of employment.

standard employment

Highlights the typical format and terms of employment.

salaried position

Focuses on the payment structure of the employment.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "a regular job"?

Having "a regular job" typically implies consistent employment with a set schedule, stable income, and often benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What are some benefits of having "a regular job"?

Benefits often include financial stability, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. A "steady employment" also provides a structured routine and opportunities for professional growth.

How does "a regular job" differ from freelancing or contract work?

"A regular job" usually involves being a direct employee of a company, while freelancing or contract work involves providing services to clients on a project basis. Freelancers and contractors typically handle their own taxes and benefits, whereas these are often provided by the employer in "full-time job".

What can I say instead of "a regular job" to describe stable employment?

You can use alternatives like "steady employment", "permanent position", or "full-time job", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.