freelancing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "freelancing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of working independently rather than being employed by a company, often in a specific field or industry. Example: "After years of working in a corporate job, she decided to pursue freelancing to have more control over her schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The deputy Labor leader, Tanya Plibersek, has previously accused Brandis of "freelancing on foreign policy" and ditching an expression that had been "used by Coalition governments from the 70s, the 80s.

The Guardian

"I have no idea whether this approach was made with Ed Miliband's knowledge or, as is more likely, by someone freelancing to try to be helpful, but as I walk down Whitehall, I phone my wife and say: 'You'll never guess what'," he writes.

The Guardian

She then took an MA in journalism at Goldsmiths in London, paying for her course by freelancing for the Daily Telegraph and working night shifts at the Guardian.

The Guardian

He began freelancing for Films and Filming, squeezing in screenings whenever he had a spare moment.

The Economist

Mr Gabel, who had been freelancing for publications based on the east coast, couldn't think of one.Mr Gabel understands that he is bucking a trend.

The Economist

"Conservative numbers go up when they focus on fiscal issues," says Nik Nanos, a pollster, "and down when they start freelancing on social issues like same-sex marriage, the gun registry and crime bills".The year ahead promises to be harder.

The Economist

Either someone told the agency to bug the highest judge in the land, or the senator's phone was bugged or an agent was freelancing.

The Economist

On eLance and oDesk, two freelancing sites, 2.3m and 4.5m members respectively are offering their services.Most important, digital technology has created endless possibilities for new products.

The Economist

Norman Shark's report depicts a cautious and competent operation that manages its operations professionally and secures cheap but able recruits from freelancing sites.

The Economist

After being fired in 1985, he worked for a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C., simultaneously freelancing for several periodicals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now freelancing again, Marshall helmed the action thriller Duel in the Jungle (1954), with Dana Andrews as an insurance investigator who discovers that a supposedly dead diamond broker (David Farrar) is actually alive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "freelancing", be specific about the industry or type of work involved (e.g., "freelancing as a web developer" or "freelancing in the creative arts") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid making broad assumptions about the financial stability or work-life balance of "freelancing". Experiences vary widely; specify the context and potential challenges or benefits relevant to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The term "freelancing" functions primarily as a verb (present participle) or a noun, describing the act of working independently or the state of being a freelancer. Ludwig's examples illustrate both uses, showcasing its role in describing a career path or a specific work arrangement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "freelancing" is a commonly used and grammatically sound term to describe independent work arrangements. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias, and business settings. While the register is generally neutral, specific industries or skills should be identified for clarity. Alternatives include "independent contracting" and "self-employment". When using the term, avoid overgeneralizing about the experiences of freelancers and consider the potential challenges or benefits relevant to the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

independent contracting

Focuses on the contractual nature of the work arrangement, emphasizing autonomy.

self-employment

Highlights the individual's responsibility for their own business and income.

working independently

Emphasizes the autonomy and lack of direct supervision.

project-based work

Highlights that the job is temporary and focused on a specific project.

gig economy

Refers to a broader economic trend of short-term contracts or freelance work.

contract work

Highlights the formal agreement between the worker and the client.

consulting

Often implies expertise in a particular field offered on a freelance basis.

outsourcing

Referring to the company's perspective and the work that gets outsourced.

contingent work

Focuses on the temporary and non-permanent nature of the employment.

temporary assignment

Describes a short-term job or project undertaken by a freelancer.

FAQs

How can I use the term "freelancing" in a sentence?

You can use "freelancing" to describe working independently, such as: "She started "freelancing" as a graphic designer after leaving her full-time job."

What are some alternatives to the word "freelancing"?

Alternatives include "independent contracting", "self-employment", or "project-based work", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "freelancing" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "freelancing" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when discussing employment trends or business models. However, consider alternatives like "independent consulting" for a more professional tone in specific contexts.

What's the difference between "freelancing" and "self-employment"?

"Freelancing" often implies working on a project basis for various clients, while "self-employment" encompasses a broader range of independent business activities, including owning a business.