almost out of work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost out of work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is nearing unemployment or has very little work left to do. Example: "After the project ends next week, I will be almost out of work until the next contract starts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They were almost out of work a few years ago.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Those clients are almost all out-of-work single mothers.

The New York Times

Income Support is an (almost) unconditional out-of-work benefit typically received by individuals who are not employed or are working fewer than 16 h a week.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

When asked about out-of hours work, almost half (46%) said they work between six and 10 hours at the weekend during term time, while 28% work more than 10 hours.

The Guardian

Almost 5 million people on out-of-work benefits.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some good things on welfare, almost a million people off out-of-work benefits, many fewer children growing up in households where nobody works.

The Economist

Duncan Smith, with his new ministerial team sitting beside him, said he had inherited a "broken system", with almost 5 million people on out-of-work benefits and 1.4 million under-25s not working or in full-time education.

The Guardian

Aspiration, it seems, is in danger of becoming the preserve of the wealthy". Duncan Smith, with his new ministerial team sitting beside him, said he had inherited a "broken system", with almost 5 million people on out-of-work benefits and 1.4 million under-25s not working or in full-time education.

The Guardian

In spite of figures suggesting the US economy is emerging out of recession, unemployment statistics released on Friday showed another rise, with almost 10% out of work.

The Guardian

The European Union's statistics agency said 11.9% of the eurozone's workforce was unemployed, the highest percentage for the currency bloc since records began in 1995, with almost 19m out of work.

The Guardian - Business

The resulting publicity provided a welcome boost to his business, ensuring he was almost never out of work.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a temporary situation, use "almost out of work" to indicate a short-term lack of assignments rather than permanent unemployment. This can soften the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "almost out of work" when describing a permanent job loss. It's better suited for periods between projects or contracts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost out of work" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a state close to unemployment or lacking sufficient work. This is supported by Ludwig examples that highlight situations of potential or near joblessness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost out of work" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of nearing unemployment or having a significant reduction in workload. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse sources, primarily within news and media contexts. The phrase is generally neutral in register and serves to communicate a sense of precarious employment. While there aren't perfectly synonymous phrases, alternatives like "nearly unemployed" or "close to being jobless" offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, it's important to distinguish between temporary situations and permanent job loss, and to select the best option based on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nearly unemployed

Focuses specifically on the state of being close to unemployment.

Close to being jobless

Highlights the state of being close to losing a job.

On the verge of unemployment

Emphasizes the imminent possibility of becoming unemployed.

Facing potential job loss

Indicates a situation where job loss is a real possibility.

At risk of losing employment

Highlights the risk factor associated with potential unemployment.

Precariously employed

Suggests the instability and potential loss of current employment.

In danger of redundancy

Specifically refers to the risk of being made redundant or laid off.

Nearing the end of employment

Focuses on the temporal aspect of employment coming to a close.

Job security is threatened

Indicates a perceived lack of job security.

Employment is uncertain

Indicates an employment situation with an unclear future.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "almost out of work" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "nearing unemployment", "facing potential job loss", or "at risk of losing employment" for greater precision and professionalism.

What's the difference between "almost out of work" and "unemployed"?

"Almost out of work" suggests a temporary situation where someone anticipates a potential lack of work soon, while "unemployed" indicates a current state of not having a job.

Is it appropriate to use "almost out of work" in a cover letter?

It's generally best to avoid using "almost out of work" in a cover letter. Instead, focus on your skills and experience, and express your enthusiasm for the position. If necessary, address any gaps in employment with a positive and proactive approach.

What are some signs that I might be "almost out of work"?

Signs might include a lack of new projects or assignments, company-wide layoffs, budget cuts in your department, or consistent negative performance reviews.