in the workforce

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the workforce" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to someone who is currently employed or actively seeking employment. Example: She joined the workforce after completing her education and has been working as a marketing executive for five years now.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Female participation in the workforce shot up.

The Economist

They're not participating in the workforce.

The Guardian - Opinion

Would this not ensure more job satisfaction in the workforce?

The Guardian

Elsewhere in the workforce, Thatcherism did what might be expected.

The Guardian

But what of older people in the workforce?

The Guardian

They are among the lowest-paid people in the workforce.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have a positive vision: investing in the workforce.

The Guardian

Disruption in the workforce is hardly a new phenomenon.

The Guardian

"There's a lot of uncertainty in the workforce.

The Guardian - Business

Cuts in the workforce make the burden still greater.

The Economist

A smaller generation will replace them in the workforce.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the workforce", ensure you clearly define the specific group you are referring to. For example, specify "women in the workforce" or "older adults in the workforce" for clarity.

Common error

Be specific about the segment of the workforce you are discussing. Avoid using "in the workforce" without specifying which demographic or skill set you are referencing, as this can lead to broad and inaccurate generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the workforce" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the location or state of being employed or actively seeking employment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard construction used to specify involvement in the labor market. Examples throughout the sources show it modifying "people", "women", "older people", etc.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the workforce" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who is employed or seeking employment. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and widespread acceptance. Predominantly found in news and media, academic, and business contexts, the phrase serves to specify participation within the working population. To maximize clarity, be specific about which segment of the workforce you're referencing to avoid generalizations. Remember, While a simpler alternative such as "employed" may suffice in some cases, "in the workforce" provides a more nuanced understanding of labor market participation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

working population

This alternative refers to the group of people who are able to work, focusing on the population itself.

economically active

This alternative stresses the economic contribution of being employed or seeking employment.

employed

This term focuses on the state of having a job, simplifying the phrase to a single word.

actively employed

This emphasizes the active nature of employment, clarifying that individuals are currently working.

labor force participant

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of participating in the labor market.

gainfully employed

This emphasizes that employment provides financial benefit.

part of the working class

This alternative is more sociological, highlighting the socio-economic status of those who are employed.

among the employed

This option is suitable when singling out the employed population for attention.

on the payroll

This alternative focuses on being listed as an employee who receives wages.

in the labor pool

This frames the workforce as a resource that companies draw from.

FAQs

How can I use "in the workforce" in a sentence?

You can use "in the workforce" to describe someone's participation in the working population. For example: "More women are "employed" now than ever before" or "The company invests in training for those "economically active".".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "in the workforce"?

Alternatives include "employed", "working population", or "labor force participant" depending on the context and level of formality required.

Is it better to say "in the workforce" or "part of the workforce"?

Both "in the workforce" and "part of the workforce" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "In the workforce" typically describes general participation, while "part of the workforce" may emphasize being a component of the larger group.

How does the composition of "in the workforce" affect economic trends?

Changes in the demographics and skill sets of those "employed" can significantly impact economic trends. Factors such as age, education, and gender distribution influence productivity, innovation, and overall economic growth.