found work

USAGE SUMMARY

"found work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has obtained a job. For example, "John finally found work at a tech company after months of searching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Some men have found work.

The Economist

Others found work as day laborers.

The New York Times

Until the day she found work.

The New York Times - Books

Many have found work and settled in.

The Economist

Others found work in Aruba and Curaçao.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His wife found work as a maid.

The New York Times

His father found work in construction.

The New Yorker

Have the jobseekers found work?

The Guardian - Opinion

Some had found work as film extras.

The Guardian - Books

"But my parents always found work.

The New York Times

Instead, he found work as a messenger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "found work" to describe a situation where someone has successfully obtained employment. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. For instance, "After months of searching, she finally found work as a software developer."

Common error

Avoid using "found work" interchangeably with phrases like "did some work" or "performed work", which refer to tasks completed rather than obtaining employment. "Found work" specifically means securing a job.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found work" functions as a verb phrase, specifically indicating the successful completion of a job search or the attainment of employment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The examples demonstrate various contexts in which individuals have "found work" after a period of unemployment or transition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "found work" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone obtaining employment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely accepted in written English. With numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, its usage spans various contexts, primarily in news and media. While alternatives exist, such as "secured employment" or "landed a job", "found work" offers a straightforward and versatile option for conveying this specific achievement. Remember that "found work" indicates securing a job, not simply performing tasks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secured employment

Replaces "found" with "secured" implying a more competitive or challenging job market.

obtained a position

More formal than "found work", suggesting a professional context.

landed a job

More casual and emphasizes success in getting the job.

gained employment

Similar in meaning but slightly more formal and less common.

started working

Focuses on the commencement of work rather than the finding.

became employed

Passive voice construction focusing on the state of being employed.

took a job

Emphasizes the action of accepting a job offer.

entered the workforce

Focuses on joining the working population.

was hired

Passive voice focusing on the act of being hired by an employer.

joined a company

Highlights the act of becoming an employee of a specific company.

FAQs

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

"Found work" is used to indicate that someone has obtained a job. For example, "After graduating, she "found work" as a teacher."

What are some alternatives to saying "found work"?

Alternatives include "secured employment", "landed a job", or "obtained a position" depending on the context and formality you want to convey.

Is "found work" grammatically correct?

Yes, "found work" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of "find" to describe the act of obtaining employment.

What's the difference between "found work" and "did work"?

"Found work" means to obtain a job, while "did work" refers to performing tasks or activities. For example, "He "found work" at a construction company" indicates he got a job, whereas "He did work on the house" means he performed tasks on the house.