hands-on work

USAGE SUMMARY

"hands-on work" is a perfectly good phrase for written English.
You would typically use it to describe a job or activity that requires physical activity as opposed to more mental activity. For example, "I'm looking for a job that involves more hands-on work than my current desk job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The hands-on work is very straightforward.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some people can go out and do hands-on work".

The New York Times

"That will take solid, patient, cautious, hands-on work".

The New York Times - Sports

"We need to stop devaluing hands-on work," she said before the engines drowned her out.

The New Yorker

But it is clear that he prefers more hands-on work.

The New York Times

Now, a new generation is making dinner because they enjoy that hands-on work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Our experiences suggest that hands-on, work-based training can be a useful model for strengthening health workforce capacity/competence for improved health service delivery.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

We want to go hands on, work with founders to get products and businesses launched," Foo said.

TechCrunch

Thousands of rescue groups pick up the rest, we do the hands on work out of our own pockets.

Huffington Post

Here there is more handiwork involved, hands on work with the patients".

BMC Medical Education

For gloves, try to get your hands on work gloves with attack.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing educational programs or training, "hands-on work" highlights the experiential component, suggesting that participants will learn by doing rather than just observing.

Common error

While "hands-on work" is widely understood, it can sound informal in certain professional or academic settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "practical application" or "experiential learning" when writing for a highly formal audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hands-on work" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the nature of the "work" as being practical and involving direct physical interaction. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing different types of jobs, training, and activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

31%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hands-on work" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe activities involving direct physical engagement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news and media to science and general discussions. While highly versatile, consider opting for more formal alternatives like "practical application" in certain professional settings. Remember that the key is to emphasize the active and practical nature of the activity, as highlighted by the many examples Ludwig provides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practical work

Emphasizes the practicality and functionality of the work involved.

manual labor

Focuses on the physical and often strenuous aspect of the work.

experiential learning

Highlights the learning aspect derived from direct experience.

active participation

Stresses the involvement and engagement in the task.

direct involvement

Indicates a close and personal connection to the work.

fieldwork

Refers to work conducted in a real-world setting, often outside a traditional office.

applied practice

Focuses on the application of knowledge and skills in a practical way.

job training

Highlights the skill development aspect of the work.

workshop activities

Specifies activities performed within a structured learning environment.

kinesthetic learning

Emphasizes learning through physical activity and movement.

FAQs

What does "hands-on work" mean?

The term "hands-on work" refers to activities or tasks that require direct physical involvement or active participation, as opposed to theoretical or observational learning.

What are some synonyms for "hands-on work"?

Alternatives to "hands-on work" include "practical work", "manual labor", and "experiential learning", each emphasizing different aspects of direct involvement.

How can I incorporate "hands-on work" into my resume?

Highlight experiences where you actively participated in projects, used tools or equipment, or directly implemented solutions. Use action verbs to showcase your direct involvement and practical skills.

Is "hands-on work" suitable for academic writing?

While acceptable, it's more common in general or professional contexts. In academic writing, consider using more formal terms like "applied practice" or "fieldwork", depending on the specific field and context.