drudgery of work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drudgery of work" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common expression used to describe monotonous and tedious tasks associated with a particular job. Example: The new intern quickly discovered the drudgery of work as she spent her first day filing papers and organizing the office supply closet.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Readers React In decades gone by, it was assumed that mechanization would liberate the masses from the drudgery of work.

The New York Times

Wealth would still be created – albeit by an army of machines – but we would be freed from the "drudgery of work".

The Guardian - Opinion

Not so with Belgian pop star Stromae, whose tracks blend the corn-syrup pleasures of continental pop with tough lyrics about disease and the drudgery of work.

The Guardian - Music

I don't know about you, ladies, but as I sit here in an office enduring the drudgery of work, I can't help but long for the not-so-distant past, when only my husband would have had to concern himself with such pressures, and I would have found myself at home in a semi sporting a poodle skirt, hand-washing cack from a pile of cloth nappies while off my chops on barbiturates.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hope that transcendence through dance was possible, hope that the drudgery of work, or unemployment, weren't all life had to offer, hope that pills would always be that strong and this cheap.

Vice

But every now and then, parties come around the renew your faith in the power of a dancefloor: not just as the predictable cesspool of drugs and hook-ups, but as a space that provides a sweet escape from the drudgery of work, a communal experience of bliss, a fleeting sense of freedom.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This should spare some from the drudgery of working without pay.

The Economist

"I took the final Punjabi step," said Mrs. Singh, who wanted to escape the drudgery of working as a car service administrator.

The New York Times

It's the drudgery of working life for those stuck at the bottom in Cameron's Britain.

Vice

Finney's character Arthur Seaton was an angry working class young man who was intent on escaping the drudgery of factory work and the limited opportunities afforded out to people born in the area where it was filmed, Radford, Nottingham.

Vice

The first believes in the drudgery of hard work.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the negative aspects of work, use "drudgery of work" to convey the feeling of tediousness and lack of fulfillment. For example, "Automation aims to alleviate the "drudgery of work" by handling repetitive tasks."

Common error

While "drudgery of work" describes monotonous tasks, not all work is inherently drudgery. Acknowledge that fulfilling and stimulating jobs exist to maintain a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drudgery of work" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the tedious and monotonous aspects associated with employment. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drudgery of work" effectively conveys the tedium and lack of fulfillment associated with certain types of labor. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage in written English. While considered neutral in register, it carries a negative connotation. When using it, consider alternative phrases like "tedium of labor" or "grind of work" to fine-tune the intended meaning. Be mindful not to overgeneralize, recognizing that not all work is drudgery. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tedium of labor

Focuses on the monotony and lack of stimulation in work.

monotony of employment

Highlights the repetitive and unvarying nature of the job.

grind of work

Emphasizes the relentless and wearing nature of labor.

tiresome aspects of labor

Directly points to the exhausting qualities of work.

weariness of toil

Highlights the fatigue and exhaustion resulting from hard work.

oppressive nature of work

Focuses on the feeling of being burdened or controlled by labor.

burden of employment

Emphasizes the weight and responsibility associated with having a job.

chore of working

Reduces work to a simple, unpleasant task.

plodding nature of labor

Highlights the slow, heavy and uninspired nature of work.

routine of working

Focuses on the lack of variety and excitement in work.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "drudgery of work"?

You can use alternatives like "tedium of labor", "monotony of employment", or "grind of work" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What kind of work is typically described as "drudgery of work"?

The phrase "drudgery of work" often describes repetitive, monotonous, and unfulfilling tasks. These tasks usually involve little creativity or intellectual stimulation and can lead to boredom and dissatisfaction.

Is "drudgery of work" a formal or informal expression?

"Drudgery of work" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, be mindful of your audience and purpose when using it, as it does carry a negative connotation.

How does automation relate to the "drudgery of work"?

Automation is often seen as a solution to the "drudgery of work", as it can take over repetitive and tedious tasks, freeing up humans to focus on more creative and fulfilling aspects of their jobs. This is because it reduces the "monotony of employment".