clerical work

USAGE SUMMARY

"clerical work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to work that involves organizing and maintaining information in written or digital form, such as filing, typing, and data entry. For example: "I worked in the office on a contract basis, doing clerical work for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She moonlights doing clerical work and tutoring.

The New York Times

Don't burden the preparer with clerical work.

The New York Times

Do your specialists waste time on clerical work?

Harvard Business Review

It was classified as clerical work and didn't pay well.

The New Yorker

His wife has failed to find clerical work.

The New York Times

(In fairness, he's also open to children doing clerical work).

The New Yorker

7. Less time will be spent on clerical work.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Assist officers in implementing their functions and manage clerical work.

Columbia University

At the time learning to type smacked of lowly clerical work.

The Economist

A yeoman performs administrative and clerical work, dealing with protocol, evaluations, forms, and supplies.

The New Yorker

Ms. Nelson married after high school and balanced raising four children with clerical work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context. While "clerical work" is widely understood, it can sometimes be perceived as outdated or less skilled than more modern terms like "administrative support".

Common error

Avoid using "clerical work" as a broad term for all office tasks. Instead, specify the actual tasks performed, such as "managing files", "scheduling appointments", or "handling correspondence" to avoid ambiguity and show a more detailed understanding of the role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clerical work" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition, denoting a type of administrative or office-based labor. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clerical work" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe routine administrative tasks performed in an office setting. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly usable in written English. The phrase enjoys frequent use across a spectrum of contexts, from news media to academic papers, with The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian being among its most frequent sources. While widely understood, specifying the exact duties involved (e.g., "data entry", "record keeping") is recommended for added clarity. Also, it's important to consider alternatives like "administrative tasks" or "office administration" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

administrative tasks

Focuses on the administrative aspect, implying a slightly broader scope than just clerical duties.

record keeping

Highlights the systematic maintenance of records as a key part of clerical duties.

secretarial duties

Highlights the supportive role often associated with clerical positions.

administrative support

Emphasizes the support role within an administrative context.

office administration

Highlights the management aspect of office-related tasks, moving away from manual labor.

general office tasks

Highlights the diverse nature of tasks performed in an office setting.

paperwork

Emphasizes the physical handling of documents rather than the overall function.

office support

Implies a broader scope of support activities, not limited to just clerical functions.

document processing

Focuses on the handling and management of documents, both physical and digital.

data entry

Refers specifically to entering data into systems, a subset of overall clerical responsibilities.

FAQs

What does "clerical work" typically involve?

"Clerical work" generally includes tasks such as data entry, filing, record keeping, and other general office administration duties.

What are some skills needed for "clerical work"?

Key skills for "clerical work" include attention to detail, organizational skills, proficiency in basic computer applications, and good communication skills.

What can I say instead of "clerical work"?

You can use alternatives like "administrative tasks", "office administration", or "administrative support" depending on the context.

Is "clerical work" considered a skilled job?

While some "clerical work" may involve routine tasks, many clerical positions require specialized skills and knowledge, such as proficiency in specific software or industry-specific regulations.