clerical works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clerical works" is not commonly used in written English; the correct term is "clerical work." You can use it when referring to tasks related to office administration, such as filing, typing, or data entry.
Example: "Her responsibilities include various clerical work, such as managing correspondence and organizing files."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She moonlights doing clerical work and tutoring.

The New York Times

His wife has failed to find clerical work.

The New York Times

Don't burden the preparer with clerical work.

The New York Times

A managing director was working on weekends, and doing his own clerical work.

The New York Times

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

"The clerical work, I just sort of fell into it," she said.

The New York Times

She supported their two children by doing clerical work for several doctors, retiring at 77.

The New York Times

He counsels new officers, helps with clerical work and notarizes personal documents.

The New York Times

Some aides, you say, "perform clerical work or actually sit idle".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the term "clerical work" instead of "clerical works" for correct grammar and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the plural form "clerical works". "Clerical work" is a non-count noun and should be used in the singular form, even when referring to multiple tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clerical works" is intended to function as a noun phrase, referring to tasks associated with office administration. However, it is grammatically incorrect. Based on Ludwig, the correct form is "clerical work".

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the intention behind the phrase "clerical works" might be clear, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct and commonly used term is "clerical work", which refers to routine office tasks. As Ludwig AI points out, using the singular form ensures grammatical accuracy and aligns with standard English usage. Remember to use "clerical work" in your professional or general communication to maintain clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clerical work

This is the grammatically correct and standard term for referring to administrative tasks.

administrative tasks

Replaces "clerical" with a broader term, emphasizing the administrative nature of the work.

office duties

Focuses on the tasks performed in an office setting.

paperwork

Highlights the aspect of dealing with documents and forms.

secretarial duties

Emphasizes the role of a secretary in performing the tasks.

office administration

Broadens the scope to include the overall management of an office.

record keeping

Focuses on maintaining accurate records and files.

data entry

Highlights the task of inputting data into a system.

filing

Specific to the task of organizing and storing documents.

bookkeeping

Relates to managing financial records and transactions.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "clerical works"?

The correct term is "clerical work". The word "work" is uncountable in this context.

What does "clerical work" mean?

"Clerical work" refers to general office tasks or administrative duties, such as filing, data entry, and record-keeping.

What are some examples of "clerical work"?

Examples of "clerical work" include answering phones, managing correspondence, scheduling appointments, and maintaining files.

Which is more appropriate, "clerical work" or "administrative tasks"?

"Clerical work" and "administrative tasks" are often used interchangeably, but "administrative tasks" can encompass a broader range of responsibilities beyond basic office duties.