career

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "career" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person's professional life or the progression of their work in a particular field. Example: "She has built a successful career in environmental science over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have had enough of career politicians in three parties who don't even understand the problems they face in their everyday lives.

The Guardian

"He is the outstanding football presenter of his generation, combining great authority from his very distinguished playing career with wonderful broadcasting instincts and sharpness – making him a true star performer".

The Guardian - Sport

He's probably in the best moment of his career.

The Guardian - Sport

Browse Guardian Jobs or sign up to Guardian Careers for the latest job vacancies and career advice.

The Guardian

This is the end of my career".

The New York Times

She had seven children and never had a career outside of the home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

During the subsequent eight years, the question of what sort of music it is appropriate for an Idol winner to record and release has been front and centre of Clarkson's career.

The Guardian - Music

So her protestations of ordinariness might all seem somewhat disingenuous – though it's refreshing to hear a pop megastar acknowledge concepts such as luck and chance, rather than grimly trotting out American dream cliches and Protestant work ethic myths – were it not for her own career decisions bearing it out.

The Guardian - Music

By my mid-twenties my career was on a distinct and structured path.

The Guardian

The cowboy that Lauren has honed throughout his career became a cowgirl – see fringed jackets and geometric south-western patterns, the kind seen on classic ponchos, here on slouchy cardigans and backpacks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I've been blessed through my career in many ways," adds Speroni.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's "career", be specific about the field or industry to provide context and clarity. Instead of saying 'He has a good career', specify 'He has a successful career in software engineering'.

Common error

Don't use overly general terms when describing a "career". Instead of stating 'She has a career', elaborate on her achievements, roles, or contributions to offer a more detailed picture.

Linguistic Context

The word "career" functions primarily as a noun, denoting one's calling, occupation, or profession. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe the general course of action or conduct in life, particularly in a professional context. Examples provided illustrate its use in discussing various professional fields and achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "career" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to describe an individual's professional life and work progression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile, appearing in various contexts, particularly in news media, business, and general discussions. The phrase enjoys wide usage, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. When writing about someone's "career", clarity and specificity are key; avoid generic descriptions and provide context about the field or achievements to offer a comprehensive understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

professional life

Focuses specifically on the part of life related to work and profession.

work life

A straightforward way to refer to the time spent in employment.

job path

Emphasizes the trajectory and progression of employment.

course of employment

Refers to the progression and direction within one's job or profession.

employment history

Highlights the sequence of jobs held over time.

vocational journey

Adds a sense of purpose and direction to one's professional pursuits.

professional calling

Focuses on the aspect of following a passion or innate talent in a profession.

life's work

Implies a significant and dedicated commitment to a particular field.

professional vocation

Combines profession with a sense of calling or deep suitability.

business endeavors

Emphasizes entrepreneurial aspects or significant projects within a career.

FAQs

How do I use "career" in a sentence?

You can use "career" to describe someone's professional life, such as "She has a successful "career" as a doctor" or "He is planning his "career" in finance".

What words can I use instead of "career"?

Alternatives to "career" include "profession", "vocation", "occupation", or "life's work", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "career path" or should I use another term?

"Career path" is a commonly used and accepted term to describe the sequence of jobs and roles someone undertakes in their professional life.

What's the difference between a "career" and a "job"?

A "job" is a specific position or task, while a "career" refers to the overall sequence of jobs and professional roles a person undertakes throughout their working life. A "career" often implies long-term growth and progression, whereas a "job" can be a short-term or temporary position.