during work

USAGE SUMMARY

'during work' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify a time period in which an action takes place. For example: "I called my supervisor during work and asked for a raise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's not just about what happens during work," she says.

The Guardian

"You have to do that during work hours.

The New York Times

It does not use its SodaStream during work hours.

The New Yorker

He rarely spent time with Maria during work.

The Guardian - Books

They see each other only occasionally during work hours.

The New York Times

People · More employees are running errands during work hours.

The New York Times

Managers warned him to stop talking about the union during work hours.

The New York Times

Alistair has a fit during work and is sent to the hospital; he is replaced.

The New Yorker

A container, labeled as empty, held oil exploration tools that became radioactive during work in Africa.

The New York Times

It was during work on the Johns show that life took an unexpected turn.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

One lymphangioma was found during work-up for labile hypertension.

Human Pathology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "during work", be specific about the context. For example, instead of saying 'I listen to music during work', specify 'I listen to music during work breaks' for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "during work" when you mean "after work" or "before work". "During work" strictly refers to activities happening within work hours. For example, don't say 'I go to the gym during work', if you go after your shift ends.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during work" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate when an action occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, this specifies a timeframe related to employment. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts like 'Managers warned him to stop talking about the union during work hours'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "during work" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something occurs within the timeframe of employment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence. Our analysis indicates that it's versatile, appearing frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While simple and direct, it's important to be specific about the context. For instance, clarifying whether something happens “during work hours” or “during work breaks” enhances clarity. When choosing alternative phrasings, “while working” and “at work” are highly similar options. Remember, “during work” strictly refers to activities that occur within the defined work period.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while working

This alternative directly replaces "during work" with a synonymous phrase, maintaining the meaning of performing an action within work hours.

whilst at work

This alternative is more common in British English and uses a slightly more formal synonym for "while".

during working hours

This alternative is more specific, clarifying that the action occurs within the designated timeframe for work.

at work

This is a shorter, more general way of saying "during work", indicating that something happens in the workplace.

on the job

This phrase emphasizes the performance of tasks or duties, instead of the time aspect of "during work".

on company time

This phrase highlights that the time spent is paid for by the employer, adding an economic aspect.

while on duty

This implies a formal work environment or specific assigned task, shifting the focus from just "work" to a scheduled responsibility.

during business hours

This refers to the specific hours when a business is open and operating, not necessarily referring to someone's individual work.

in the course of employment

This is a more formal, legalistic way of saying "during work", often used in contracts or official documents.

at the workplace

This phrase emphasizes location, indicating something happens at the physical location of the work.

FAQs

How can I use "during work" in a sentence?

You can use "during work" to describe when an action takes place within the timeframe of your job. For example, "I usually take a short walk "during work" to clear my head".

What's a more formal alternative to "during work"?

A more formal alternative to "during work" is "in the course of employment". This phrase is often used in legal or official documents, as opposed to everyday conversation.

Is it correct to say "while at work" instead of "during work"?

Yes, "while at work" is a correct and commonly used alternative to "during work". Both phrases convey a similar meaning of something happening during the time one is engaged in their work.

What activities are generally discouraged "during work"?

Activities that are generally discouraged "during work" include personal phone calls, excessive social media use, and extended breaks beyond what is permitted. Always refer to your company's policies for specific guidelines.