light duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light duty" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe tasks or responsibilities that are not physically or mentally demanding. Example: After injuring my back, my doctor advised me to only do light duty at work for the next few weeks. In this sentence, "light duty" is describing less physically demanding tasks that the person can safely perform.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Add one teaspoon of Sure Klean Light Duty Concrete Cleaner to 1 cup of warm water.

WikiHow

The women had all asked for light duty.

The New York Times

Pretty light duty this year — only four necropsies so far this season.

The New York Times

Engine exhaust data for a light duty vehicle was used to design an ORC based system.

Energy Conversion and Management

There are ambitious greenhouse gas emission (GHG) targets for the manufacturers of light duty vehicles.

Energy Policy

In 2012, when Beroid was seven months pregnant, her doctor recommended that she work light duty.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

They are also standard on light-duty trucks and vans.

The New York Times

(xvi) Programs to encourage the voluntary removal from use and the marketplace of pre-1980 model year light-duty vehicles and pre-1980 modelight-dutytruckscks.

Cornell University

But when its light-duty diesel trucks will come ashore is still anyone's guess.

The New York Times

That makes Chrysler the first automaker to offer a diesel in a light-duty pickup.

The New York Times

By the mid-1960s Chevrolet sold nearly three million cars and light-duty trucks a year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to medical restrictions or workplace accommodations, use "light duty" to clearly communicate reduced physical or mental demands, ensuring clarity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "light duty" automatically equates to 'no work'. It signifies adjusted responsibilities within functional capacity, not necessarily complete absence from work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light duty" functions primarily as a modifier describing the nature of work or tasks. It indicates that the assigned responsibilities are less physically or mentally demanding than regular duties. Ludwig AI confirms this by identifying it as a valid and common phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "light duty" is a commonly used phrase that describes work or tasks that are less physically or mentally demanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in professional and medical contexts. Related phrases include "easy work" and "modified duties". When using the phrase "light duty", it's important to be clear about the specific limitations or accommodations involved, and to avoid assuming it means complete absence from work. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, reflecting its relevance in discussions of workplace policies and medical accommodations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easy work

Focuses on the simplicity and lack of difficulty of the task.

undemanding task

Emphasizes the lack of pressure or requirements in the job.

less strenuous activity

Highlights the reduced physical effort involved.

modified duties

Implies an adjustment to existing responsibilities to make them easier.

reduced workload

Concentrates on the decrease in the amount of work required.

easier assignment

Suggests a simpler or less complex task than usual.

gentle task

Highlights the softness and lack of rigor involved.

less taxing work

Focuses on the lower physical or mental demand of the work.

non-intensive labor

Emphasizes the lack of intensity or high effort in the labor.

limited activity

Suggests a restriction in the types or amount of physical activity.

FAQs

How is "light duty" typically used in a workplace context?

In a workplace, "light duty" refers to temporary or permanent work assignments that involve reduced physical or mental demands, often provided as an accommodation for employees with medical restrictions or injuries.

What are some common examples of "light duty" tasks?

Examples of "light duty" tasks include administrative work, data entry, answering phones, monitoring security cameras, or performing quality control inspections, depending on the limitations of the employee.

When might a doctor recommend someone for "light duty"?

A doctor might recommend "easy work" if an employee has an injury, illness, or medical condition that limits their ability to perform their regular job duties. Pregnancy is another condition where it could be recommended.

What are some alternative phrases for "light duty"?

Instead of "light duty", you can use phrases like "easier assignment", "modified duties", or "less strenuous activity" to describe tasks that are less physically or mentally demanding.