division of labour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "division of labour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the allocation of different tasks or roles among individuals or groups to improve efficiency and productivity. Example: "The division of labour in our project allowed each team member to focus on their strengths, resulting in a more efficient workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the division of labour is fuzzy.

The Economist

There was little division of labour.

The Economist

One is further division of labour.

The Economist

But is this division of labour helpful?

The Guardian

It wasn't an unequal division of labour".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Third, division of labour analysis of mass imagineering is provided.

Technology in Society

To theorise this struggle we draw on Everett Hughes's conceptualisation of a moral division of labour.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

How does the division of labour in science influence serendipity and publication productivity?

Research Policy

The new tax allows a more natural division of labour.

The Economist

"That's a sensible division of labour," he added.

Independent

It also resulted in an increased division of labour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing efficiency or productivity, use "division of labour" to clearly convey the idea of specialized task allocation leading to greater output.

Common error

Avoid using "division of labour" when simply describing teamwork or collaboration; it specifically refers to tasks being separated and assigned based on specialization, not just shared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "division of labour" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes the separation of work into distinct tasks. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in discussing economic systems, social structures, and organizational efficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "division of labour" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that describes the allocation of different tasks or roles to enhance efficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, its usage leans towards neutral to formal registers. For alternative phrasing, consider ""allocation of tasks"" or ""specialization of work"". When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects specialized task allocation rather than general teamwork. Understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts will strengthen clarity in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allocation of tasks

Focuses on the assignment aspect rather than the system of separation.

specialization of work

Highlights the specialized nature of the different tasks.

task delegation

Emphasizes the act of assigning tasks to different individuals or groups.

work distribution

Focuses on how work is spread among a group.

separation of duties

Commonly used in business contexts, especially when referring to security protocols.

functional specialization

Emphasizes specialization based on function.

compartmentalization of work

Implies distinct, separated units of work.

organized labor

Highlights the formal organization of tasks.

job breakdown

Implies a detailed analysis of tasks before allocation.

distributed effort

Stresses the shared and spread-out nature of the work.

FAQs

How is "division of labour" applied in economics?

In economics, "division of labour" refers to the specialization of tasks in production, allowing workers to become more skilled at specific operations and increasing overall efficiency. This concept is foundational to understanding how modern economies function.

What are some synonyms for "division of labour"?

Alternatives include "allocation of tasks", "specialization of work", and "work distribution". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "division of labor" or "division of labour" correct?

"Division of labour" is the standard spelling in British English, while "division of labor" is the American English spelling. Both are correct, depending on the regional context.

What are the benefits of a well-defined "division of labour" in project management?

A clear "division of labour" in project management leads to increased efficiency, reduced redundancy, and better accountability, as each team member focuses on their area of expertise. This can result in faster project completion and higher quality outcomes.