a workaday

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a workaday" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is ordinary, mundane, or routine, often in contrast to something special or extraordinary. Example: "Despite the excitement of the event, the preparations felt like a workaday task that needed to be completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It transports, yet is a workaday task.

The New York Times - Magazine

Internationalism is no utopian idea now but a workaday given.

The New Yorker

Today Istanbul is a provincial capital in a workaday republic.

The New Yorker

But the pretence was maintained that the shuttle was a workaday craft.

The Economist

What these men are doing here is a workaday task for an artist.

The New York Times

That seems a heavy burden for a workaday structure serving department-store buyers and traveling salesmen.

The New York Times

There's a subtle white, a workaday red table wine and fine chianti.

Independent

Instead, the Finger Lakes is a workaday region of approachable beauty and grinding poverty.

The New York Times

7.45pm BST Zach Johnson's first par since the 11th comes at 16, a workaday 3.

The Guardian - Sport

Is that CHELSEA CLINTON or another young woman with a workaday brown suit and slouchy handbag?

The New York Times

But, Mr. Gabbert said, there is nothing preventing a workaday water tower from winning historic recognition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a workaday" to subtly contrast an otherwise exciting or exceptional situation with the mundane realities of the process or environment. For example, "Despite the glamorous location, the actual work was "a workaday" grind."

Common error

Avoid using "a workaday" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound slightly informal. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

"A workaday" functions primarily as an adjective modifying a noun to indicate that the noun is ordinary, routine, or typical. Ludwig provides numerous examples in News & Media demonstrating its function in real-world contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a workaday" is a common and correct phrase used as an adjective to describe something as ordinary, routine, or typical. As supported by numerous examples in the News & Media category, and as reported by Ludwig's AI analysis, it is grammatically sound and serves to indicate a lack of exceptional qualities. While versatile, it should be used cautiously in formal or academic contexts where more precise vocabulary might be preferred. Consider alternatives such as "an ordinary" or "a routine" when aiming for a more refined tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ordinary

Replaces "workaday" with a more common synonym, focusing on the lack of special qualities.

a routine

Emphasizes the habitual and unremarkable nature of something.

a commonplace

Highlights the commonness and lack of uniqueness.

a typical

Indicates conformity to a standard or norm, lacking distinctiveness.

a run-of-the-mill

Suggests something is average and not outstanding in any way.

a standard

Implies adherence to established norms and expectations.

a usual

Focuses on the expected and customary nature of something.

an average

Highlights the mediocrity and lack of exceptional qualities.

a regular

Emphasizes the consistent and predictable nature of something.

a common

Denotes widespread occurrence and lack of rarity or specialness.

FAQs

How can I use "a workaday" in a sentence?

You can use "a workaday" to describe something routine or ordinary, like "It was just "a workaday" task, nothing special" or "He led "a workaday" life before his adventure began".

What are some alternatives to "a workaday"?

Alternatives include "an ordinary", "a routine", or "a commonplace", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a workaday" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a workaday" might sound slightly informal for academic or highly professional contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "routine" or "typical".

What does "a workaday" imply about something?

Using "a workaday" suggests that something is unexceptional, mundane, and part of the regular course of events, lacking any special or noteworthy characteristics.