it was labor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was labor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a task or effort that required significant work or exertion. Example: "The project was challenging, and I realized that it was labor to complete it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"Until now," Sachs says, "it was labor that was being replaced". But increasingly, it will be more skilled activities performed by people with college degrees.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was Labor Day, 1992, when Pearl Jam celebrated its ascent to superstar status by throwing a free "thank you" concert for 30,000 hometown Seattle fans.

Los Angeles Times

It was Labor Day, and I was her only client.

The New York Times

Plus, it was Labor Day — a three-day weekend.

The New Yorker

It was Labor Day, and Howard Unruh had been pushed over the edge.

Independent

He told ABC television it was Labor who had given poor character assessments of Rudd.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

But it was labor-intensive and its application to other cancers unclear.

The New York Times - Health

Typical of Pasternack's cooking style at Picholine, it was labor-intensive (that is, French) in a way that his style at Esca is decidedly not.

The New Yorker

"There was a little wind that day so it was laboring to lift the twelve pack.

TechCrunch

It was labor-intensive to pack coal into the ship's bunkers and then feed it into the boilers.

Wikipedia

He got to my knees and it was labored, gristly work.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past events or historical contexts, "it was labor" can effectively convey the significance of work performed.

Common error

Avoid using "it was labor" when you mean "it was work" if you are simply referring to a job or task. "Labor" implies significant physical or mental effort, so ensure your usage accurately reflects this distinction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was labor" functions as a statement emphasizing that a particular task, process, or activity involved significant effort, exertion, or work. It often highlights the intensity or strenuous nature of the activity being described, as suggested by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was labor" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize significant effort or exertion involved in a task or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as academic discussions, to highlight the intensity or strenuous nature of work. While alternatives like "it required effort" or "it took hard work" exist, "it was labor" provides a specific emphasis on the dedication and intensity of the work performed. Use it when you want to convey the degree of effort, difficulty, or intensity involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it took hard work

Emphasizes the difficulty of the work.

it involved work

Focuses on the involvement of work, rather than explicitly stating 'labor'.

it required effort

Emphasizes the necessity of effort, a key component of labor.

it demanded toil

Uses 'toil' to highlight the strenuous nature of the work.

it constituted exertion

Highlights the physical or mental effort involved.

it required manpower

Focuses on the human resources aspect.

it was a working day

Shifts the focus to the type of day, implying work was done.

it consisted of tasks

Refers to specific tasks performed.

it necessitated industry

Highlights diligence and productivity.

it was a job

A more general term for a specific piece of work.

FAQs

How can I use "it was labor" in a sentence?

You can use "it was labor" to emphasize the physical or mental exertion required for a task. For example, "The construction of the bridge was a significant undertaking, and "it was labor" intensive".

What phrases are similar to "it was labor"?

Similar phrases include "it required effort", "it took hard work", or "it involved work".

Is it grammatically correct to say "it was labor"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It is used to describe something that involved considerable work or effort.

What's the difference between "it was labor" and "it was work"?

"It was work" is a general term for an activity involving effort. "It was labor" often implies a more strenuous or intensive kind of work, suggesting significant physical or mental exertion.