entered the workforce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entered the workforce" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when speaking about someone joining the labor market for the first time. For example, "After graduating from college, John entered the workforce and quickly found a job in his field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Think back to when you entered the workforce.

Columbia University

They've entered the workforce and formed their own families.

The Washington Post

More people entered the workforce, leaving the number of people unemployed almost unchanged, at 12.8 million.

The New Yorker

Today they make up 16percentt as more women have entered the workforce.

The Washington Post

A graduate of Howard University, McClure entered the workforce himself as a government contractor.

The Washington Post

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, as more women entered the workforce, an equitable partnership became more desirable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was enthusiastically adopted, especially by the many Japanese women who entered the workforce in the 1950s.

The New York Times

In the 1970s, when large numbers of young people and women entered the workforce, the NAIRU rose.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Then in 2004 she re-entered the workforce armed with a grant and a mission.

The New York Times - Arts

My new path took me to San Diego, where I re-entered the workforce and eventually married a wonderful man whose destiny it was to drive me around.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've re-entered the workforce, but on my own terms.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context when using "entered the workforce"; it often implies a transition into a more formal or professional setting.

Common error

Avoid using "entered the workforce" for temporary, informal, or short-term jobs (such as summer jobs during school). It's best suited for describing the start of a career or more permanent employment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entered the workforce" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of commencing employment, typically after completing education or training. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entered the workforce" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe someone's initial transition into the labor market, according to Ludwig AI. It is considered neutral in register, making it appropriate for various contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and formal business communications. Usage patterns indicate that the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources. When using the phrase, consider that it usually implies a more significant transition rather than just taking on a temporary job. Alternatives like "joined the labor market" or "started working" can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. In summary, "entered the workforce" is a versatile and widely understood phrase for describing the commencement of employment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joined the labor market

Focuses specifically on entering the labor market, emphasizing the economic aspect.

started working

A more general term indicating the commencement of employment.

began employment

Formal alternative emphasizing the start of a job.

commenced their career

Highlights the beginning of a professional path.

embarked on a career

Implies a more significant and planned start to professional life.

became employed

Focuses on the state of being employed rather than the act of starting.

secured a position

Highlights the achievement of obtaining a job.

found work

A simple and direct way of expressing that someone has started working.

landed a job

Informal phrase indicating the successful acquisition of employment.

transitioned into the professional sphere

Emphasizes a shift from education or other activities to a professional environment.

FAQs

How can I use "entered the workforce" in a sentence?

You can use "entered the workforce" to describe someone's initial transition into a professional career. For example, "After graduating, she "entered the workforce" as a software engineer."

What are some alternatives to saying "entered the workforce"?

Some alternatives include "joined the labor market", "started working", or "began employment". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "entered the workforce" when referring to part-time or temporary jobs?

While technically correct, "entered the workforce" is generally used to describe a more significant transition into a career or long-term employment, rather than part-time or temporary positions.

What is the difference between "entered the workforce" and "re-entered the workforce"?

"Entered the workforce" refers to the initial entry into employment, whereas "re-entered the workforce" describes someone returning to work after a period of absence, such as raising children or pursuing further education.