body of work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "body of work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an author's, artist's, or composer's complete works or all the work someone has done in a particular field. For example: "John has produced a stunning body of work in his 10 years as a playwright."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Varied body of work.

The New York Times

His body of work?

The New York Times - Sports

"Focus on your body of work.

Independent

They have a body of work.

The New York Times - Sports

Warhol's body of work is huge.

Independent

Bryant has the better body of work.

The New York Times

"It's a body of work.

The Guardian - Music

The whole body of work".

The Guardian - Film

Let's judge the body of work".

The Guardian - Sport

And the body of work is colossal".

The Guardian - Books

A significant body of work, really.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to someone's "body of work", consider specifying the field or area to provide context (e.g., "his body of work in experimental film").

Common error

Be careful not to confuse a "body of work" with a single project or accomplishment. The phrase refers to the entirety of someone's output, not just one part of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "body of work" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to the comprehensive collection of creations or accomplishments by an individual or entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "body of work" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that refers to the complete collection of someone's creative or professional output. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as science and formal business settings. While there are several related phrases, such as "complete works" and "oeuvre", it's important to use "body of work" when you want to convey the breadth and depth of someone's accomplishments over time. When using this phrase, be specific about the field or area to provide adequate context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete works

Focuses on the entirety of someone's creative output, often in the arts.

collected works

Similar to "complete works", but often implies a curated or formally assembled compilation.

total output

Emphasizes the quantity of work produced, rather than its quality or nature.

life's work

Highlights the significance and dedication invested in a particular body of work over a lifetime.

entire oeuvre

A more formal term for the complete body of an artist's work.

artistic legacy

Focuses on the lasting impact and significance of an artist's contributions.

scholarly contributions

Highlights academic achievements and research output.

professional portfolio

Typically used in business or professional contexts to showcase skills and experience.

cumulative achievements

Focuses on a list of successful accomplishments and finished assignments. Doesn't include failures and on going projects.

range of accomplishments

Highlights variety and spectrum of the accomplishments.

FAQs

How can I use "body of work" in a sentence?

You can use "body of work" to refer to the complete collection of someone's artistic, literary, or professional achievements. For example, "Her "body of work" includes several critically acclaimed novels and short stories."

What are some alternatives to "body of work"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "complete works", "oeuvre", or "life's work" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "body of work" in formal writing?

Yes, "body of work" is suitable for formal writing. It is a widely accepted phrase used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What is the difference between "body of work" and "portfolio"?

"Body of work" generally refers to the entire collection of someone's output over a career, while "portfolio" typically refers to a curated selection of work samples presented for a specific purpose, such as showcasing skills to potential employers.