in the course of work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the course of work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about something that takes place or occurs as part of your normal job duties. For example, "I had to use my negotiation skills in the course of work to ensure a successful outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Transformational grammar was initiated by Zellig S. Harris in the course of work on what he called discourse analysis (the formal analysis of the structure of continuous text).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Occupational diseases, for example, are associated with factors that are present in the work environment or are otherwise encountered in the course of work.

Britannica

Others are firearms instructors, gunsmiths, or competitive shooters, who need a variety of firearms in the course of work or competition.

The Guardian

Research on expertise is concerned with issues that arise in the course of work with representations in real settings where people trained to different levels of proficiency work at tasks to different levels of skill.

Product Experience

Sometimes in the course of work he gets to do one of the things he loves most, which is to chat with someone nearly as obsessive as he is about the intricacies of political races, past and present.

The New Yorker

In the course of work, I tell him, I have interviewed murderers, arsonists, drug barons and a man who, posing as a priest, first robbed a woman, then conducted the funeral service of her husband.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It often happens, does it, this transformation of the image in the course of working?

The Guardian

Is there anything you've learned about Bryan Cranston in the course of working on this series?

The New York Times - Arts

"In the course of working on this bill, we could see that Parliament really has become different," he said.

The New York Times

I had my first Peter Kaplan encounter — a long, somewhat weird telephone conversation — in the course of working on that.

The New Yorker

In the course of working on the article, Fitch grew sympathetic to Chomsky's ideas and became an articulate defender of the theory of universal grammar.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events that occur during work, ensure the context clearly links the action to the job responsibilities, strengthening the connection for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "in the course of work" if the action wasn't directly related to job duties. Ensure there's a clear connection to the job’s responsibilities, not just proximity in time or location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the course of work" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb, specifying when or under what circumstances an action takes place, specifically relating it to job duties or professional activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is appropriate and widespread.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the course of work" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to specify that an event or action occurs as a direct result of performing job-related duties. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and suitability across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives exist, such as "during work hours" or "while on duty", the original phrase offers a specific nuance that connects actions directly to job responsibilities. When using this phrase, make sure the context establishes a clear link between the action and the job, thus avoiding misattributions. Overall, it's a formal and versatile phrase for professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as part of one's job

Highlights actions dictated by job responsibilities.

during work hours

Focuses on time spent at work, rather than actions performed.

within the scope of employment

More formal and legalistic term for job-related activities.

while on duty

Emphasizes a period of required presence and activity.

in the performance of duties

Formal expression emphasizing fulfillment of responsibilities.

during the execution of tasks

Highlights the temporal aspect of completing specific tasks.

while undertaking assignments

Similar to completing tasks, but focuses on project-based work.

in connection with one's job

Suggests a link or association with job-related activities.

as a consequence of employment

Highlights how work responsibilities impact activities and decisions.

incident to employment

Formal, implying that something happens because of the work.

FAQs

How can I use "in the course of work" in a sentence?

Use "in the course of work" to indicate that an action or event occurred as a direct result of performing job duties. For example, "I developed valuable skills "in the course of work"."

What phrases are similar to "in the course of work"?

Similar phrases include "during work hours", "while on duty", or "as part of one's job". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "during the course of work" instead of "in the course of work"?

While "in the course of work" is more common, "during the course of work" is also grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning. However, "in the course of work" is often preferred for its conciseness and clarity.

How formal is the phrase "in the course of work"?

The phrase "in the course of work" is considered relatively formal. It's suitable for professional settings, academic writing, and news reports. Less formal situations might benefit from using alternatives like "while working" or "on the job".