casual work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "casual work" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to work that is done in a loose, relaxed, or informal manner. For example, "I did some casual work on the weekend to make extra money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 2013 when I wrote on casual work, I noted concern in the sizeable increase in youth workers employed casually.

The Guardian - Business

The reality is casual work encompasses all types.

The Guardian - Business

Some fathers give up, while others find casual work.

The New York Times

Casual work is mostly done by the young.

The Guardian - Business

I do a bit of casual work like planting groundnuts.

The Guardian

In other years, able adults would find casual work on neighbours' fields, in exchange for food.

The Economist

Service workers are easy to replace when short-term contracts and casual work are common.

The Economist

The rise of self-employment, part-time and casual work seems to confirm these trends.

Independent

But growth in casual work is what you would expect early in a recovery.

The Economist

Employers argue that casual work often leads to a permanent post.

The Guardian

And the percentage of youth engaged in casual work has increased over the past 15 years.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing job opportunities, use "casual work" to emphasize the flexible and non-committal nature of the position.

Common error

Avoid using "casual work" when you mean underemployment. Casual work describes the nature of the job, whereas underemployment describes the status of the worker relative to their skills and potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casual work" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a type of employment characterized by its temporary or non-permanent nature. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "casual work" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe temporary or non-permanent employment. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is appropriate across various contexts. While offering flexibility, it may also lack the stability and benefits of full-time positions. When using the term, consider the context and whether alternative phrases like "temporary employment" or "freelance assignments" might be more precise. Remember that "casual work" describes the type of work, not necessarily the worker's satisfaction or economic stability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary employment

Focuses on the limited duration of the work arrangement.

part-time labor

Emphasizes the reduced hours compared to full-time positions.

freelance assignments

Highlights the independent nature of the work.

contingent work

Stresses the conditional nature of the employment.

flexible jobs

Highlights the adaptability and variability of the work.

project-based work

Indicates that the work is tied to specific projects.

seasonal employment

Focuses on work that is only available during certain times of the year.

gig economy jobs

Refers to short-term jobs often found via online platforms.

informal sector labor

Highlights that this work is not formally recorded and taxed.

odd jobs

Refers to smaller, less structured work opportunities.

FAQs

How can I use "casual work" in a sentence?

You can use "casual work" to describe temporary, flexible, or non-permanent employment, as in "Many students find "casual work" during the summer break".

What is the difference between "casual work" and "part-time work"?

"Casual work" often implies a lack of fixed hours and benefits, whereas "part-time work" typically involves regular hours but less than full-time. Both terms refer to work that is not full-time but "part-time labor" may offer more stability.

What are some synonyms for "casual work"?

Alternatives to "casual work" include "temporary employment", "freelance assignments", and "gig economy jobs". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "casual work" always a negative thing?

No, "casual work" isn't inherently negative. While it can lack stability and benefits, it also offers flexibility and opportunities for those seeking "flexible jobs" or supplemental income.