chore

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "chore" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that means a mundane or difficult task or duty, often associated with housework or other domestic duties. You can use it in any context where such a task or duty is relevant. For example, "I spent my Saturday afternoon doing chores around the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a chore basically and I'm sure all teenagers are the same, she didn't want to do a chore.

The Guardian

Simple tasks such as helping to carry something also became a chore.

The Guardian - Opinion

Once inside the shops, air-conditioning makes the whole experience much more comfortable, but getting from shop to shop can be a chore if you don't pace yourself.

The Guardian - Travel

Your daughter may have to do a lot of reading at school (some of the words she uses are telling: "chore", "boring", etc).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

School textbooks are replaced with academic journals, classrooms are swapped for giant lecture halls and "referencing" becomes a familiar chore.

The Guardian

They then return to the UK on Wednesday afternoon – a chore that Goodman has justified as "pure greed".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Like most people, I find shopping in our soulless malls and tatty clone high streets an increasingly tedious chore.

The Guardian

I smiled to myself thinking about how much he seemed to enjoy this kitchen chore.

The Guardian

I'm a chef by trade, but cooking during the week can often feel more a chore than a pleasure: that mad scramble to get supper on the table without collapsing in a shattered heap.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a chore to be cooking until you want to do it.

The Guardian

The freshman Iowa Republican came to fame last year in an attention-grabbing television ad, in which she boasted about her childhood chore of castrating pigs, saying "Washington's full of big spenders" and promising to "make 'em squeal".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task, consider using synonyms for "chore" to add variety and specificity to your writing. For instance, instead of saying "doing chores", you could say "performing household tasks" or "handling routine duties".

Common error

While "chore" is widely understood, it can sound informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "responsibility", "task", or "duty" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "chore" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a routine or mundane task. It can also be used as a verb, although this usage is less common. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its extensive examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chore" is a versatile word primarily used as a noun to describe a routine, often unpleasant task. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing it appears frequently in various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings. While grammatically sound, consider the formality of your context: synonyms like "task" or "responsibility" may be more appropriate in professional or academic writing. Remember, while "chore" often carries a negative connotation, understanding its nuances can enhance your writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mundane task

Highlights the routine and often uninteresting nature of the task.

routine duty

Emphasizes the repetitive and obligatory aspect of the task.

laborious job

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved in the task.

tedious assignment

Points out the boring and monotonous quality of the task.

onerous responsibility

Stresses the burdensome and demanding nature of the task.

unpleasant task

Directly describes the task as disagreeable or undesirable.

daily grind

Suggests a repetitive and wearisome routine.

household task

Specifically refers to tasks related to maintaining a household.

domestic duty

Focuses on duties related to home and family.

necessary evil

Implies that the task is unavoidable but undesirable.

FAQs

How can I use "chore" in a sentence?

You can use "chore" to describe a routine or unpleasant task, as in "Washing dishes is a "chore", but it must be done", or "He sees studying as a necessary "chore"".

What are some common synonyms for "chore"?

Common synonyms for "chore" include "task", "duty", "job", "assignment", and "responsibility". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "chore" appropriate for formal writing?

While "chore" is widely understood, it may sound informal in some professional or academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "responsibility" or "task" when a more elevated tone is desired.

What's the difference between a "chore" and a "task"?

While both refer to things that need to be done, "chore" often implies a routine, somewhat unpleasant duty. "Task" is a more general term that doesn't necessarily carry the same negative connotation.