a respectable profession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a respectable profession" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a job or career that is considered honorable or worthy of respect in society. Example: "Many people aspire to have a respectable profession, such as teaching or nursing, because of the positive impact they have on others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"It's a respectable profession," one said.

The New Yorker

When Felder first started out, marital law was not a respectable profession.

The New Yorker

That company's athletic style did much to make dancing seem like a respectable profession for men.

The New York Times - Arts

Though window cleaning is a respectable profession, at times I must confront its low status.

The New York Times

Li Huijuan said that when she was studying to become a doctor medicine was a respectable profession.

The New Yorker

It was a time before art was meant to be a respectable profession, and the work was all the better for it.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Perhaps if relative salaries continue to drop then, counter-intuitively, people will start to see banking as a more respectable profession and, as a result, a more desirable industry to make a career in.

The Economist

Mr. Haleet, 30, a tailor, traditionally a very respectable profession in Syria, played down the ills and tried to cheer up his wife, 23, whose face appeared waxen.

The New York Times

There is a difference between bookmaking, an entirely respectable profession, and fleecing people, which isn't.

The Guardian

Do Indian writers feel that they must supplement their work with a more respectable profession?

The New Yorker

These rumors, in particular of her supposed relationship with Dietrich, embarrassed Wong's family who in any case had long been opposed to her acting career, at that time not considered to be an entirely respectable profession.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the historical context when using the phrase. Some professions considered respectable in the past may not be viewed the same way today, and vice versa.

Common error

Avoid using "a respectable profession" in contexts where it might imply that other professions are not respectable. Be mindful of the implicit value judgments and ensure your language is inclusive and doesn't unintentionally devalue certain types of work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a respectable profession" functions as a noun phrase that serves to characterize a particular type of occupation. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, this phrase typically appears in contexts where individuals are discussing career aspirations, societal expectations, or the perceived value of different jobs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a respectable profession" is a noun phrase that describes a job or career that is generally well-regarded and ethically sound. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, mainly in neutral or professional registers. While the phrase is valuable for expressing societal expectations or career aspirations, it's crucial to use it with sensitivity to avoid implying that certain professions are less worthy. Semantically related alternatives includes "an honorable career", "a dignified occupation", and "a reputable vocation", which can provide nuanced ways to convey the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an honorable career

Replaces "profession" with "career" and "respectable" with "honorable", emphasizing the moral aspect.

a dignified occupation

Substitutes "profession" with "occupation" and "respectable" with "dignified", focusing on the decorum and social standing.

a reputable vocation

Replaces "profession" with "vocation" and "respectable" with "reputable", highlighting the good reputation associated with the job.

a well-regarded career

Uses "well-regarded" in place of "respectable", emphasizing the positive opinion others hold.

a prestigious profession

Replaces "respectable" with "prestigious", highlighting the high status associated with the job.

a socially accepted job

Rephrases the idea to emphasize societal acceptance as the defining factor.

a valued occupation

Focuses on the value and importance of the occupation to society.

an esteemed vocation

Combines "vocation" with "esteemed", emphasizing high regard and admiration.

a credible profession

Replaces "respectable" with "credible", highlighting the trustworthiness and reliability of the profession.

a conventional career path

Highlights the traditional and established nature of the career.

FAQs

What does "a respectable profession" mean?

The phrase "a respectable profession" refers to a job or career that is generally well-regarded by society, often associated with ethical conduct, social value, and a certain level of prestige.

What are some examples of what might be considered "a respectable profession"?

Examples of professions often considered respectable include doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, and nurses, although what is considered respectable can vary by culture and time period.

What can I say instead of "a respectable profession"?

You can use alternatives like "an honorable career", "a dignified occupation", or "a reputable vocation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a respectable profession" in all contexts?

While generally acceptable, be mindful of the implications of labeling some professions as "respectable" as it might inadvertently suggest that other professions are not. Consider the context and audience to avoid unintended offense.