intensive work

USAGE SUMMARY

"intensive work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe hard work or labor, especially when a lot of detail and time is put into the task. For example: "I put in an intensive effort to finish the project before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Facilitate the 2nd Intensive Work Period The teams should work intensively toward their goals until the final day.

WikiHow

Facilitate the 1st Intensive Work Period The teams should work intensively toward their goals for the next two days.

WikiHow

Intensive work began in 1947 in the U.S. Air Force.

Britannica

Like so much of the new British economy, sandwich making is low-skilled but intensive work.

The Guardian - Opinion

During the seventies, Chinese scientists began intensive work on the animals.

The New Yorker

And there's no more intensive work in terms of human relations than teaching".

The New York Times

Solving the equation that expresses his Theory has taken 2 years of intensive work.

The New Yorker

"It will take some intensive work" to reduce errors further, she said.

The New York Times

But despite all the intensive work, their future is by no means certain.

The Guardian

After a year of intensive work and widespread consultation its recommendations are now publicly available.

The Guardian - Opinion

After more than a year of intensive work and consultation, a highly respected independent commission determined that it does.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intensive work", consider the context. It's suitable for describing effort that is focused, demanding, and sustained over a period. Quantify the 'intensity' if possible; for example, 'three months of intensive work'.

Common error

Avoid using "intensive work" to describe simple or routine tasks. The phrase implies a significant investment of time, effort, and resources. For lighter tasks, consider using terms like "focused effort" or "careful attention".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intensive work" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "intensive" modifies the noun "work". It describes the characteristic of the work being done. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intensive work" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe effort that is demanding, focused, and sustained. According to Ludwig, it is widely accepted and appropriate across various writing contexts. While its register is generally neutral to professional, its usage spans news media, scientific research, and business environments. When using this phrase, ensure the described activity truly warrants the descriptor by involving a significant investment of time and resources. Consider alternatives like "concentrated effort" or "dedicated labor" depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Concentrated effort

Focuses on the aspect of effort being highly focused.

Dedicated labor

Emphasizes the commitment and hard work involved.

Diligent work

Highlights the careful and persistent nature of the work.

Focused activity

Suggests a clear direction and purpose in the work.

Strenuous activity

Indicates the physical or mental exertion required.

Vigorous exertion

Highlights the energetic and forceful nature of the effort.

Exhaustive investigation

Refers to a thorough and comprehensive examination.

In-depth analysis

Focuses on the detailed and thorough nature of the analysis.

Extensive research

Emphasizes the broad scope and scale of the research.

Hard graft

An informal British term for sustained hard work.

FAQs

How can I use "intensive work" in a sentence?

You can use "intensive work" to describe periods of focused effort such as, "The project required several weeks of "intensive work" to complete" or "After months of "intensive work", the team finally achieved their goal".

What are some alternatives to "intensive work"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "concentrated effort", "dedicated labor", or "diligent work" as alternatives to "intensive work".

Is "intensive labor" the same as "intensive work"?

While similar, "intensive labor" typically refers to physical or manual work, whereas "intensive work" can encompass both physical and mental effort. Therefore you could use "strenuous activity", instead.

Can "intensive work" be used in all contexts?

While "intensive work" is widely applicable, it's best suited for situations involving significant dedication and effort. For less demanding tasks, consider alternatives such as "focused activity" or "careful attention".