does he work

USAGE SUMMARY

"Does he work?" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you can use it in an email to a friend asking them for information on a mutual acquaintance: "Hi Bob, I heard you went to school with John. Do you know if he works now?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

WHERE does he work?

The New York Times

Does he work on television?

Independent

WHERE does he work now?

The New York Times

With whom does he work?

The New York Times

How does he work that out?

The Guardian - Music

What law firm does he work for?

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

But before he does, he works him over a little.

The New York Times

WHERE did he work?

The New York Times

Did he work for it?

The New Yorker

How long did he work for you?

The New York Times

Did he work from photographs?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking about someone's profession, consider your audience and the level of formality required. A simple "Does he work?" is suitable for casual conversation, while "What is his occupation?" is more appropriate in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid assuming someone's employment status based on stereotypes or appearances. Always ask respectfully, as unemployment or underemployment can be sensitive topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Does he work?" functions as an interrogative clause used to inquire about a male individual's employment status. As shown by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It seeks a binary (yes/no) answer regarding whether the person is currently employed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Does he work?" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative phrase for inquiring about a male individual's employment status. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to news reporting. While direct, it's important to use sensitivity, avoiding assumptions about someone's employment. Alternatives like "Is he employed?" offer more formal options. Remember, while the phrase is simple, its impact lies in the context and delivery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Does he have a job?

A simple and direct question about employment.

Is he currently working?

Emphasizes the current employment status of the person.

Is he employed?

Focuses specifically on whether the person has a job.

What's his job?

A more casual way of asking about someone's profession.

What is his occupation?

Asks for the specific type of work the person does.

What does he do for a living?

Inquires about the person's source of income or profession.

What line of work is he in?

Asks about the industry or field of employment.

Where is he working?

Focuses on the location of the person's employment.

How does he earn money?

Focuses on the method of earning an income rather than the specific job.

What are his work activities?

Explores the specific tasks and duties performed in his job.

FAQs

How can I ask about someone's job in a formal setting?

In formal situations, instead of using a casual question like "Does he work?", consider more professional alternatives such as "What is his occupation?" or "What line of work is he in?".

What are some alternatives to "Does he work?" that are less direct?

You can use less direct questions like "What does he do for a living?" or "Is he currently employed?" to inquire about someone's job without being overly intrusive.

Is it appropriate to ask "Does he work?" in a job interview setting?

No, in a job interview setting, it is generally not appropriate to ask "Does he work?". Focus on questions related to the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications for the specific role.

How does the phrase "Does he work?" differ from "Is he employed"?

The phrase "Is he employed" is more formal and directly asks about employment status, while "Does he work?" can sometimes imply a broader question about activity or contribution.