a small job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small job" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a task or piece of work that is not large or complex in nature. Example: "I have a small job to do this afternoon, just some light cleaning around the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was a small job.

The New Yorker

That's not a small job.

The Guardian - Sport

"A small job done by one guy".

The New Yorker

And even a small job can strain a building's finances.

The New York Times

"I just wanted a small job, a small profession," he explained through a translator.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's not a small job," he said of the new manager's task.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The target was a small job-development bureau in the Commerce Department.

The Washington Post

The president seeks a small jobs program in the short term, while committing to deficit reduction beginning next year.

Huffington Post

In a separate analysis of the budget released last week, the city's Independent Budget Office forecast a smaller job loss — about 60,000 private-sector jobs.

The New York Times

General Rigging had just completed a smaller job at a plant in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, owned by Tower Automotive, the bankrupt auto parts supplier, and had moved on to another Tower plant in Kendallville, Ind.

The New York Times

If your parents won't let you have a large job, ask them about a smaller job like babysitting or lawn mowing.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small job", ensure the context clarifies the specific nature of the work. Add details to provide a clearer picture of the task's scope. For instance, instead of saying "I have a small job to do", specify "I have a small job to do, which involves updating the company's social media profiles".

Common error

Avoid using "a small job" without providing any context. Simply stating that something is "a small job" can be vague and unhelpful. Instead, offer specific details about the work involved to set clear expectations and prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small job" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "job". It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, describing a task or piece of work that is limited in scope or complexity, as shown in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small job" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to describe a task that is limited in scope or complexity. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While versatile, it's essential to provide specific details to avoid vagueness and ensure clear communication. Depending on the setting, you might consider using more formal alternatives, such as "minor task" or "limited project". Overall, understanding the contexts and nuances of "a small job" will help you use it effectively in both casual and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor task

Replaces "job" with "task", suggesting a slightly less formal or complex undertaking.

a simple assignment

Substitutes "job" with "assignment", implying a more structured or delegated piece of work.

a quick task

Focuses on the speed or duration of the job, suggesting it can be completed rapidly.

a limited project

Emphasizes the scope or boundaries of the job, highlighting its contained nature.

a manageable undertaking

Highlights the feasibility and ease of handling the job, suggesting it's not overwhelming.

a bite-sized piece of work

Uses a metaphor to describe the job as easily digestible and not too demanding.

a minor undertaking

Replaces "job" with a more formal "undertaking", indicating a slightly more serious task.

a short stint

Suggests a temporary or brief engagement, often implying a paid position.

a light duty

Indicates an easy or undemanding task, often within a larger set of responsibilities.

a trivial chore

Downplays the significance of the job, suggesting it is routine and unimportant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small job" to describe a task that is not particularly large or complex. For example: "I took on "a small job" painting the fence over the weekend".

What are some alternatives to "a small job"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a minor task", "a simple assignment", or "a quick task".

Is it appropriate to use "a small job" in a formal setting?

While "a small job" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "a limited project" or "a manageable undertaking" may be more suitable for professional communication.

What's the difference between "a small job" and "a minor undertaking"?

"A small job" is a more common and informal way to describe a task, while "a minor undertaking" sounds slightly more formal and can imply a more serious, though still limited, piece of work.