labor on

USAGE SUMMARY

"labor on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to continue working hard or persisting in a difficult task. Example: Despite facing numerous setbacks, the team decided to labor on and eventually completed the project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the moment I'm siding with Labor on this one.

Vice

We were forced to labor on benches, as there was only one bed.

Huffington Post

Labor on the other hand isn't biding time.

The Guardian

Fremantle is held by Labor on a 4.8% margin.

The Guardian

He was thirty-nine years old and he did manual labor on the oil fields.

The New Yorker

Employers see nothing wrong with soliciting free labor on public forums.

The New York Times

It is the end result of long labor on an aesthetic project.

The New Yorker

Our driver was relieved she did not go into labor on the return trip.

The New York Times

Sir Max's careful labor on these pages was the last literary task he ever undertook.

The New Yorker

Labor on Thursday announced it would reduce to 1km the right of residents to veto.

The Guardian

The paramilitaries on both sides expend endless labor on their self-appointed policing operations.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "labor on" when you want to emphasize sustained effort or persistence in a task, especially when the task is challenging or requires significant time and dedication. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being labored on.

Common error

Avoid using "labor on" when a simpler term like "work on" or "focus on" suffices, especially in casual contexts. Overusing "labor on" can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or dramatic. Instead, save this phrase for situations where the effort is truly arduous or prolonged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "labor on" functions as a phrasal verb, emphasizing the continuous and dedicated effort applied to a task or subject. As supported by Ludwig, it conveys the idea of sustained work, often in the face of challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "labor on" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe sustained effort towards a task, particularly when it is challenging or requires significant dedication. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, it carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. While alternatives like "work on" or "persist in" exist, "labor on" specifically emphasizes the prolonged and intensive nature of the effort. Using "labor on" effectively involves recognizing its connotation of arduous work and employing it in situations where such emphasis is fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persist in

Focuses more on the continuation of effort despite difficulties.

continue working on

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the work.

keep at

Suggests maintaining effort over time.

focus on

Highlights the concentration of effort towards a specific goal.

work diligently on

Adds an element of carefulness and dedication to the work.

exert effort on

Emphasizes the expenditure of energy and resources.

dedicate oneself to

Implies a strong commitment and personal investment.

plow ahead with

Suggests forceful and determined progress.

persevere with

Highlights the endurance and resilience required.

toil away at

Conveys a sense of hard, often repetitive work.

FAQs

How can I use "labor on" in a sentence?

You can use "labor on" to describe continuing to work hard on something, often despite difficulties. For example, "Despite the setbacks, they continued to "labor on" until the project was complete".

What are some alternatives to "labor on"?

Alternatives to "labor on" include "persist in", "continue working on", or "keep at", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "labor on" formal or informal?

"Labor on" leans towards the formal side, suggesting a dedicated and persistent effort. Simpler alternatives like "work on" may be more appropriate for informal contexts.

When is it best to use "labor on" instead of "work on"?

Use "labor on" when you want to emphasize the difficulty or intensity of the work being done. It implies a sustained effort over time, often in the face of challenges, whereas "work on" is more general.