labor of love

USAGE SUMMARY

"labor of love" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that requires a great deal of effort and dedication, but that they enjoy doing. For example, "Her scientific research was a labor of love - she put her all into it, even though the results were not what she had hoped for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's a labor of love".

The New York Times

Labor of Love, jazz and blues.

The New York Times

"It was a real labor of love.

The New York Times

It was mostly a labor of love.

The New York Times

"Because it's a labor of love.

The New York Times

The book is a labor of love.

The New Yorker

"It was a labor of love.

The New York Times

"This was a labor of love".

The New York Times - Arts

"That's another labor of love.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This is a labor of love".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This was a labor-of-love project.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "labor of love" when you want to emphasize the dedication and personal satisfaction derived from a task, rather than its monetary value. It's particularly effective when the effort involved is considerable.

Common error

Avoid using "labor of love" sarcastically or when the primary motivation is actually financial gain. The phrase implies genuine passion and commitment, so misusing it can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "labor of love" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or appositive to describe a task, project, or activity. It signifies that the subject is undertaken with significant dedication and affection, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "labor of love" is a common and grammatically correct English phrase used to describe a task or project undertaken with passion and dedication, often without expecting significant financial reward. As Ludwig AI states, it conveys a sense of deep personal connection and enjoyment. While versatile, it is important to use the expression accurately, ensuring the activity is indeed driven by genuine passion rather than ulterior motives. It appears most frequently in news and media, demonstrating its widespread use in describing various endeavors across different fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passion project

Focuses on the emotional investment and enthusiasm driving the work.

voluntary work

Highlights the unpaid nature and willingness to contribute time and effort.

altruistic endeavor

Emphasizes the selfless motivation and desire to benefit others.

selfless undertaking

Similar to altruistic endeavor but emphasizes the personal sacrifice involved.

devotion-driven task

Highlights the strong commitment and dedication to the task.

unpaid commitment

Directly points out the lack of financial compensation for the effort.

pro bono work

Commonly used in professional contexts where services are offered for free.

non-profit initiative

Indicates that the effort is part of a larger project without commercial goals.

charitable activity

Highlights the charitable aspect and the intention to help others.

humanitarian effort

Emphasizes the focus on improving human welfare and reducing suffering.

FAQs

What does "labor of love" mean?

A "labor of love" is a task or project undertaken with great passion and dedication, typically without expectation of significant financial reward. It's driven by personal fulfillment and enjoyment.

How can I use "labor of love" in a sentence?

You might say, "Restoring the classic car was a true "labor of love" for him", indicating that he dedicated significant time and effort to the project because he enjoyed it.

What are some alternatives to "labor of love"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "passion project", "voluntary work", or "altruistic endeavor".

Is "labor of love" a formal or informal expression?

"Labor of love" is generally considered an informal expression, suitable for everyday conversation and writing. While understandable in formal contexts, more precise language might be preferred for professional settings.