half the work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half the work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a significant portion of a task or project has been completed, often implying that the remaining part will be easier or quicker to finish. Example: "Once we finalize the budget, we'll have done half the work for the project proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Small businesses employ half the work force, and we need them on board".

The New York Times

Both said their primary goal was to create jobs in a country where unemployment and underemployment approach half the work force.

The New York Times

Another problem is that half the work carried out by ACE is environmental consultancy, which pays for their campaign work.

Science Magazine

The disadvantage with this method is that half the work goes into making the moulds, so it takes twice as long.

BBC

More than half the work force is underemployed.

The New York Times

Tinkering with policies is only half the work.

The Guardian

And contracts for more than half the work have been awarded.

The New York Times

If he did half the work he does, he would still be where he is today".

The New York Times - Sports

But, we must remember, the figure is only half the work.

The Guardian - Arts

For the first time, women make up half the work force.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He fired almost half the work force, closed 100 offices, raised prices and amputated unprofitable business.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "half the work", ensure the context clearly defines the total scope of the "work" being referenced. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the proportion being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "half the work" prematurely if the remaining portion involves unforeseen complexities or dependencies. Accurately assess the entire scope before quantifying completion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half the work" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates a specific portion of a larger task or effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "half the work" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a significant portion of a task or project has been completed. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is indeed perfectly correct and usable. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations, making it a versatile expression. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity about the scope of the "work" being referenced and to realistically assess the complexities of the remaining tasks. While it serves as a motivational tool, it's important to prevent overestimations of task completion and adjust expectations accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fifty percent of the work

Expresses the quantity in a more direct numerical way.

part of the job

Replaces "work" with "job", implying a specific task within a larger project.

a portion of the labor

Substitutes "half" with "a portion" and "work" with the more formal "labor".

significant part of the undertaking

Uses more formal vocabulary like "significant" and "undertaking" to denote the task.

substantial amount of effort

Focuses on the effort expended rather than the task itself.

considerable portion of the assignment

Emphasizes the size of the task by using "considerable portion" instead of "half".

much of the responsibility

Highlights the aspect of responsibility involved in completing the task.

major share of the load

Replaces "work" with "load", focusing on the burden or difficulty of the task.

appreciable fraction of the project

Uses "appreciable fraction" to quantify the portion of the project completed.

sizeable component of the operation

Highlights the part/component that is being done, and the work being completed is like an operation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "half the work" in a sentence?

Alternatives include phrases such as "part of the job", "significant part of the undertaking", or "substantial amount of effort", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to say "half the work" is done?

While "half the work" implies a 50% completion, it's essential to consider whether the remaining tasks are of equal difficulty or time consumption. Sometimes, the latter half might be more complex or time-intensive.

What does "half the work" mean in project management?

In project management, "half the work" often signifies a milestone. It indicates that a significant portion of the initial effort has been invested, and the project is progressing towards completion. However, it's crucial to assess if remaining tasks require adjustments to the plan.

How can I use "half the work" to motivate a team?

You can use "half the work" to highlight progress and boost morale. Acknowledge the effort and dedication put in to reach this milestone, while also setting realistic expectations for the remaining tasks to be completed.