division of labor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "division of labor" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the process where a complex task is divided among different people or groups, each taking on a specific component in order to complete the task more efficiently. For example, "The CEO decided to introduce a division of labor to the company in order to make production more efficient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a neat division of labor".

The New Yorker

It is a fantastic division of labor.

The New York Times - Magazine

What is the division of labor?

The New York Times

"You get a division of labor.

The New Yorker

A natural division of labor has followed.

The New York Times - Food

"Our campus has no division of labor".

The New York Times

Is this a realistic division of labor?

The New York Times

Is this division of labor so wrong?

The New York Times

The division of labor seems clear.

The New York Times - Arts

"There's a division of labor here".

The New York Times - Food

This division of labor has merit.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing team projects, clearly outline the "division of labor" at the start to avoid overlaps and ensure all tasks are covered.

Common error

Avoid assuming the "division of labor" is self-evident. Explicitly define each person's responsibilities to prevent confusion and duplicated effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "division of labor" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting the separation of a work process into distinct tasks, as seen in Ludwig examples. It describes how responsibilities are distributed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "division of labor" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the allocation of tasks within a group or system. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used in contexts ranging from business and economics to science and everyday life. The frequency analysis reveals that it is most commonly found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. When writing about this concept, be clear about the specific responsibilities assigned to each party to avoid confusion. Alternatives like "specialization of tasks" or "task allocation" can also be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Specialization of tasks

Emphasizes the specific skill sets applied to individual jobs.

Task allocation

Highlights the distribution of duties among individuals or groups.

Distribution of work

Focuses on how work is spread across a team or organization.

Workforce segmentation

Describes dividing the workforce into specialized units.

Functional separation

Points to the division based on different functions or roles.

Role differentiation

Emphasizes the distinct roles each person plays in a project.

Compartmentalization of duties

Focuses on keeping tasks separate and distinct.

Labor specialization

Highlights the specialized skills applied to different aspects of work.

Assignment of responsibilities

Emphasizes the act of assigning specific duties to different people.

Task segregation

Underscores the separation of tasks to improve efficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "division of labor" in a sentence?

You can use "division of labor" to describe how tasks are allocated within a group, such as, "The team agreed on a clear "division of labor" to complete the project efficiently."

What are some alternatives to saying "division of labor"?

Alternatives include "specialization of tasks", "task allocation", or "distribution of work", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "division of labor" the same as "delegation of tasks"?

While both involve assigning work, "division of labor" typically refers to a more systemic and structured allocation of tasks, whereas "delegation of tasks" is often a one-time assignment of a specific task.

What is the significance of "division of labor" in economics?

In economics, "division of labor" is crucial for increasing productivity and efficiency by allowing individuals and organizations to specialize in specific tasks, as highlighted by Adam Smith's work.