basic job

USAGE SUMMARY

"basic job" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a job that doesn't require any specialized skills or knowledge. For example, "I'm only looking for a basic job - something to help me pay rent while I'm applying to college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That's its basic job.

The New York Times - Health

It's a parent's most basic job, and I failed it.

The Guardian - Books

But it can also do more than its basic job.

The New York Times - Travel

"There's teaching the local teenage volunteers some basic job skills.

The New York Times

The task of constituency building and networking is the basic job responsibility of top managers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It can now reasonably argue that austerity's basic job is done.

The Guardian - Opinion

He begins with the most basic job of all: constructing the arena.

The New York Times - Arts

Plain basmati rice or pilaf with peas did a basic job.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Given this transformation in pre-college education, we could expect it to provide basic job-training for most students.

The New York Times

The basic job-search series covers resumes, cover letters, interviewing, job-search strategies, summer jobs, and internships.

Cornell University

It is the basic job-description articulated in the main text, the one highlighted by our two foundational metaphysical questions: What is there?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing career aspirations or job requirements, use "basic job" to clearly communicate a preference for roles that do not demand extensive prior expertise or specialized training.

Common error

While "basic job" is widely understood, avoid overuse in professional documents like resumes or cover letters. Opt for more specific terms like "entry-level position" or describe the specific skills involved to showcase your capabilities effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic job" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a job that requires minimal skills or experience. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "basic job" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe employment that requires minimal skills or experience. Ludwig confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally acceptable, it's advisable to use more specific terminology in formal settings like resumes. Consider alternatives like "entry-level position" for enhanced clarity. The phrase serves the purpose of describing a type of employment and maintains a neutral formality level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entry-level position

Refers specifically to a job requiring little to no prior experience.

simple task

Focuses on the ease and lack of complexity of the work.

routine work

Emphasizes the repetitive and predictable nature of the job.

elementary occupation

Highlights the fundamental and uncomplicated nature of the employment.

menial labor

Implies unskilled and often physical work.

fundamental responsibility

Stresses the core duties of a role, irrespective of complexity.

initial employment

Focuses on the beginning stage of one's work life.

essential function

Highlights the crucial and necessary aspects of a job.

foundational work

Emphasizes the importance of the work as a base for other activities.

core duty

Signifies a central and indispensable task within a job.

FAQs

What does "basic job" mean?

A "basic job" typically refers to a position that requires minimal skills, training, or experience. It's often an entry-level role or a job with straightforward responsibilities.

What are some alternatives to saying "basic job"?

You can use alternatives like "entry-level position", "simple task", or "routine work" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "basic job" in a resume?

While understandable, using "basic job" on a resume might be too vague. Instead, highlight specific skills and responsibilities from your previous roles to showcase your qualifications.

How does a "basic job" differ from a skilled profession?

A "basic job" generally requires minimal training and involves straightforward tasks, whereas a skilled profession necessitates specialized education, expertise, and complex problem-solving abilities.