field work

USAGE SUMMARY

'field work' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the work done in the field, often in an outdoor setting or in the context of a research study. For example, "I will need to do some field work to measure the flora in the local wetlands."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Field work.

The New Yorker

"Field work," he says.

The New York Times

Tell them it's field work.

The Guardian

Labs and field work.

Stanford University

Extensive field work.

Stanford University

Or is field work OK?

Cornell University

He wasn't cut out for field work.

The New Yorker

Tells about his field work expeditions, etc.

The New Yorker

It was time for field work.

The New York Times

Her field work begins at home.

The New York Times

A.V., M.C.R., and P.J. performed field work.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data collection outside of a laboratory, use "field work" to accurately convey that the research or investigation was conducted in a natural or real-world setting.

Common error

Avoid using "field work" when referring to research conducted primarily in an office or laboratory setting. "Field work" specifically implies activities performed outside in a natural or practical environment, whereas "desk work" may be more suitable for tasks done indoors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "field work" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes practical activities conducted in a real-world setting, often for research or data collection purposes. Examples show its use in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

Academia

33%

News & Media

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0.01%

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "field work" is a common noun phrase referring to research or practical activities conducted in real-world settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it is widely used across academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts. The phrase's primary function is to describe activities performed outside a controlled environment, emphasizing hands-on experience and direct observation. To avoid misuse, ensure it accurately reflects work done in a natural or practical environment, and not in an office or laboratory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on-site investigation

Focuses on the investigative aspect conducted at a specific location.

practical research

Emphasizes the hands-on and applied nature of the research.

empirical study

Highlights the reliance on observation and experience in the study.

location-based research

Stresses the importance of the physical location in the research process.

on-location activities

Focuses on tasks and actions performed at a particular site.

hands-on experimentation

Emphasizes the direct involvement and active participation in experiments.

real-world observation

Highlights the observation of phenomena in their natural environment.

site-specific analysis

Focuses on the analysis of data or information related to a particular site.

experiential learning

Emphasizes learning through direct experience and active involvement.

outdoor assignment

Highlights tasks and duties carried out in an open-air or external setting.

FAQs

What does "field work" typically involve?

"Field work" typically involves activities such as data collection, observation, and experimentation conducted in real-world settings, often outside of a laboratory or office environment.

How is "field work" different from laboratory work?

"Field work" takes place in natural or practical settings, while laboratory work is conducted in a controlled environment. "Practical research" focuses on collecting data in real-world conditions, unlike the controlled conditions of a lab.

What are some common examples of "field work"?

Examples of "field work" include geological surveys, ecological studies, archaeological excavations, and sociological research conducted in communities.

What skills are important for successful "field work"?

Important skills for successful "field work" include observation, data collection, problem-solving, adaptability, and communication.