a social worker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a social worker" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a professional who helps individuals, families, or communities to enhance their well-being and address social issues. Example: "After years of dedication, she finally became a social worker, ready to make a difference in her community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have to see a social worker".

The New Yorker

"She was a social worker.

The New York Times

He was a social worker.

The New York Times

Rotaru doesn't look like a social worker.

The New Yorker

You're an anchor, not a social worker.

Stanford University

And yet, I was a social worker.

The New York Times - Magazine

His mum was a social worker.

The Guardian - Film

A social worker arrived within 25 minutes.

The New York Times

Being a social worker has changed me.

The Guardian

A third is a social worker.

The New Yorker

Mr. Kanner had been a social worker.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "a social worker", consider the sensitivities involved and avoid language that could stigmatize the individuals they serve.

Common error

Avoid assuming all social workers perform the same tasks. Their responsibilities vary greatly depending on their specialization and the populations they serve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a social worker" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a person who is trained and employed to help individuals, families, and communities cope with various social and personal problems. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a social worker" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a professional who provides social services. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, formal business, and scientific publications. The term carries a neutral register and is generally well-understood, though specifying the area of expertise of the social worker adds clarity. Common alternatives include "welfare officer" or "community advocate", depending on the specific context. When discussing this profession, avoid generalizations and remain sensitive to the diverse roles and responsibilities within the field.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a welfare officer

Focuses specifically on welfare and assistance provision.

a community advocate

Highlights the advocacy aspect of the role within a community.

a human services professional

Emphasizes the broader field of human services.

a caseworker

Focuses on managing individual cases within a social work context.

a counselor

Highlights the counseling aspects of social work, with a focus on guidance and support.

a therapist

Highlights the therapeutic intervention aspect, usually related to clinical social work.

a support worker

Focuses on providing general support and assistance.

a charity worker

Highlights the work done within charitable organizations.

a voluntary worker

Focuses on social workers operating in a voluntary capacity.

a public servant

Emphasizes the role as a government employee serving the public.

FAQs

How do you correctly use "a social worker" in a sentence?

Use "a social worker" when referring to an individual who provides social services and support to individuals, families, or communities. For example: "She consulted "a social worker" to help navigate the complex adoption process".

What are some alternative phrases for "a social worker"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a community advocate", "a welfare officer", or "a caseworker".

Is there a difference between "a social worker" and "a therapist"?

While some social workers may also be therapists, "a social worker" is a broader term encompassing various roles aimed at improving social well-being. A therapist specifically provides mental health counseling and treatment.

What kind of training does "a social worker" need?

Generally, "a social worker" requires a bachelor's or master's degree in social work (BSW or MSW). Licensing requirements vary by state or region, but often involve passing an exam and completing supervised clinical hours.