compulsory work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compulsory work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to work that is required and cannot be avoided or refused. For example: All students must complete their compulsory work before the end of the semester.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It could provide volunteer (rather than compulsory) work experience placements.

The Guardian - Opinion

If their search did not succeed, 13 weeks of compulsory work followed.

The Economist

But compulsory work for no private master in a jail is not peonage.

Cornell University

All new claimants had to attend a compulsory work focused interview.

The Guardian - Opinion

McManus said the compulsory work was in areas with the highest unemployment.

The Guardian

If you don't fancy that, there's always the option of taking on compulsory work as a "volunteer" for a charity.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Following the replacement of the Language A2 option with the group 1 Language and Literature offering for courses starting in summer 2011, the Language B syllabus has been changed: the coursework is now more rigorous, and at HL there is the compulsory study of two works of literature (although this is for comprehension rather than analysis and is only assessed through coursework).

Wikipedia

Jobseekers have been made to do compulsory unpaid work for up to four weeks after refusing to take part in the voluntary work experience scheme.

The Guardian

They propose sanctions for claimants who refuse jobs, compulsory community work for the long-term jobless and extra screening for incapacity-benefit claimants, with those deemed fit for work turfed onto the stingier jobseeker's allowance.

The Economist

The ringbinder contained a long list of compulsory building work the Murphys must undertake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They typically spend one day a week at the market, another at church and perhaps a third doing compulsory community work.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, ensure that the term "compulsory work" is clearly defined, especially when contrasting it with voluntary work or other forms of employment.

Common error

Avoid using "compulsory work" interchangeably with terms like "slavery" or "forced labor" unless the situation genuinely involves coercion and human rights violations. "Compulsory work" often refers to legally mandated activities, while the other terms imply severe exploitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compulsory work" functions as a noun phrase, where "compulsory" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "work". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is used to describe work that is required and cannot be refused.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compulsory work" refers to work that is mandated or required, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, it's important to use it with precision, especially when distinguishing it from terms like "forced labor". Ludwig examples show it frequently appears in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using the term, clarify the specific conditions and context to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "mandatory labor" or "required service" can be considered based on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mandatory labor

Emphasizes the legal or regulatory requirement, often used in a more formal or legal context.

mandated work

Similar to mandatory labor, but slightly less formal.

required labor

A more general term indicating that the work is not optional.

obligatory service

Implies a duty or commitment to perform the work, often for a specific period.

requisite work

Indicates that the work is necessary to achieve a certain goal or meet a requirement.

forced labor

Carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the work is performed unwillingly under duress.

compelled labor

Highlights the lack of choice in performing the work, often due to external pressures.

involuntary work

Emphasizes the lack of consent in performing the work.

coerced labor

Similar to forced labor, emphasizing the use of pressure or threats.

work by legal requirement

Describes the requirement being legal and formalized.

FAQs

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

You can use "compulsory work" to describe situations where work is mandated, such as "The government introduced a scheme of "compulsory work" for long-term unemployed individuals".

What's the difference between "compulsory work" and "voluntary work"?

"Compulsory work" is work that one is required to do, often by law or regulation. "Voluntary work", on the other hand, is work that one does willingly and without coercion.

What are some alternatives to "compulsory work"?

Some alternatives to "compulsory work" include "mandatory labor", "required service", or "obligatory work", depending on the context.

Is "compulsory work" the same as "forced labor"?

While both involve non-voluntary labor, "forced labor" typically implies a more severe form of coercion and exploitation than "compulsory work", which can include legally mandated community service or work programs.