do volunteer work

USAGE SUMMARY

'do volunteer work' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used whenever you want to refer to work or activities that are done without payment or expectation of reward, typically to benefit a particular cause or community. For example: "Many young people choose to do volunteer work to gain work experience in their chosen field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People should do volunteer work for themselves".

The New York Times - Style

He also said he would do volunteer work.

The New York Times

They appear to be more likely than previous generations to do volunteer work.

The New York Times - Health

"They are not asking people to donate any money or do volunteer work," he told me.

The New York Times - Books

She said she planned to do volunteer work and perhaps work for a nonprofit later.

The New York Times

She went on to do volunteer work for St . Matthew-St

The New York Times

"At the moment I do volunteer work but I want to become certified.

The Guardian

Yet Tebow, like McCoy, found ways to do volunteer work, too.

The New York Times - Sports

She asked the Red Cross if she could do volunteer work in exchange for a bed.

The New Yorker

She worked until age 75 and then went on to do volunteer work and paint.

The New York Times

The second detainee said he came to Afghanistan to do volunteer work.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing volunteer experiences on a resume, use strong action verbs to showcase your accomplishments and skills gained while doing "volunteer work".

Common error

Avoid listing "volunteer work" under employment history unless it was a significant and structured experience. Instead, create a separate section titled "Volunteer Experience" or "Community Involvement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do volunteer work" functions as a verb phrase, where "do" is the main verb and "volunteer work" is the direct object. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a common and grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do volunteer work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively conveys the act of engaging in unpaid activities for the benefit of others or a cause. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. When describing this activity, consider related phrases such as "engage in voluntary service" or "contribute time to charity" to add nuance and variety to your writing. Remember to highlight accomplishments and quantifiable results when mentioning "volunteer work" on your resume, and be sure to list volunteer experience in a separate section from paid employment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

participate in volunteer activities

This phrase is more general and can encompass various types of volunteer work.

work as a volunteer

This is a more straightforward way of expressing the concept of doing volunteer work.

engage in voluntary service

This alternative uses more formal language to describe the act of volunteering.

dedicate time to community service

This alternative emphasizes the community-focused aspect of volunteering.

contribute time to charity

This phrase emphasizes the charitable aspect of volunteering.

serve in a voluntary capacity

This phrase is more formal and highlights the voluntary nature of the work.

offer unpaid assistance

This alternative highlights the lack of monetary compensation in volunteer work.

donate time and effort

This alternative highlights the giving aspect of volunteer work.

provide pro bono services

This phrase is often used in professional contexts where services are offered for free.

help out without pay

This alternative emphasizes the lack of compensation and the act of helping.

FAQs

How can I include "do volunteer work" on my resume?

Create a dedicated section titled "Volunteer Experience" or "Community Involvement" and list your roles, responsibilities, and achievements. Use action verbs to highlight your contributions. Be sure to quantify your impact whenever possible.

What are some alternatives to "do volunteer work"?

You can use alternatives like "engage in voluntary service", "contribute time to charity", or "participate in volunteer activities".

Is it better to "do volunteer work" or "perform volunteer work"?

Both "do volunteer work" and "perform volunteer work" are grammatically correct and acceptable. The choice depends on your personal preference and the context of your writing. "Do" is slightly more common in everyday language.

Why is it important to "do volunteer work"?

Doing "volunteer work" not only benefits the community but also provides personal fulfillment, skill development, and networking opportunities. It can also enhance your resume and college applications.