labor saving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "labor saving" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is designed or intended to reduce or minimize the amount of physical effort or work required. For example: - The new vacuum cleaner is a great labor-saving device. - The company implemented a labor-saving technology that greatly increased productivity. - We invested in labor-saving equipment to streamline our manufacturing process. - The invention of the washing machine was a major labor-saving breakthrough for households.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

One explanation may be that capital investment has become, to put it politely, more "labor saving".

The New York Times

A labor saving round baler that requires two hydraulic outlets on a tractor.

Cornell University

Miraculous modern labor saving devices make your job harder.

Science Magazine

It was found to be labor saving and showed sufficient sensitivity.

Journal of Clinical Virology

Once the labor saving changes are made they are permanent and the jobs cannot be recovered.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Does that mean that we should abandon all efforts to build technology, which inevitable turn into labor saving devices?

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The trouble is that the bulk of these new technologies are labor-saving.

Huffington Post

It's a reasonable and respectable labor-saving device.

The New Yorker

Both of these are potentially labor-saving devices.

Your Wish is My Command

These ostensibly labor-saving devices are peculiarly labor intensive.

The New York Times - Tech

This labor-saving device — part fortuneteller, part shrink?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technological advancements, use "labor saving" to highlight their impact on reducing human effort and increasing efficiency. This emphasizes the practical benefits of the technology.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the benefits of "labor saving" devices by providing specific examples of how they reduce effort or time. Vague claims can undermine the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "labor saving" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something that reduces the amount of human work or effort required. As Ludwig AI notes, it implies efficiency and reduction of workload.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "labor saving" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe technologies, methods, or designs that reduce human effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science, highlighting its versatility. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid exaggeration and provide concrete examples when discussing its benefits. Alternatives like "effort reducing" or "efficiency enhancing" can offer nuanced ways to express the same concept. The frequency of the phrase suggests its enduring relevance in discussions about productivity and technological advancement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Effort-reducing

Focuses on the reduction of effort involved.

Work-reducing

Directly emphasizes the decrease in workload.

Time-saving

Highlights the conservation of time.

Efficiency-enhancing

Emphasizes the improvement of efficiency.

Productivity-boosting

Highlights the increase in productivity.

Automation-driven

Indicates that automation is the source of the saving.

Streamlined process

Focuses on making the process more efficient with less labor.

Simplified task

Emphasizes the simplification of a task to reduce labor.

Mechanization-based

Highlights the use of machinery to save labor.

Ergonomic design

Implies a design that reduces physical strain and thus saves labor.

FAQs

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

You can use "labor saving" to describe tools, technologies, or methods that reduce the amount of physical work required. For example, "The new software is a "labor saving" device for data entry".

What are some alternatives to "labor saving"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "effort reducing", "time saving", or "efficiency enhancing" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "labor-saving" or "labor saving"?

Both forms are generally acceptable, but "labor-saving" (with a hyphen) is more common when used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., "labor-saving device"). "Labor saving" (without a hyphen) is also correct, especially when used after a verb (e.g., "This technology is labor saving").

What is the difference between "labor saving" and "cost saving"?

"Labor saving" specifically refers to reducing the amount of work or effort required, while "cost saving" refers to reducing expenses or financial costs. A "labor saving" innovation may lead to cost savings, but the terms are not interchangeable.