light work

USAGE SUMMARY

'light work' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is not difficult or demanding, or to refer to something that is going to require only a small amount of effort or time. For example, "We divided the tasks between each other so that it would be light work for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's light work.

The New York Times

Complex figurations became light work.

The Guardian - Music

How does ultraviolet light work in nature?

The New York Times

Many hands can make light work.

Harvard Business Review

The overture usually seems a spirited, if rather light, work.

The New York Times - Arts

It is still suitable for only light work in wood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The underlying principle is that many hands make light work.

The Economist

Yet Mendes considers this a rather light work schedule.

The Guardian - Film

"What if they did light work in the kitchen?

The New Yorker

Cleans well and makes light work of brushing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Local bylaws generally specify what constitutes light work.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task's simplicity, use "light work" to clearly convey it requires minimal effort or complexity. For example, "Preparing the presentation was light work compared to the data analysis."

Common error

While "light work" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. In professional contexts, consider alternatives like "simple task" or "straightforward assignment" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light work" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe tasks or activities that are not difficult or demanding. It indicates an absence of significant effort or complexity. Ludwig provides examples where it modifies nouns, adding a qualitative assessment of effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Light work" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe tasks or activities requiring minimal effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific papers. While generally appropriate, more formal synonyms like "simple task" or "straightforward assignment" may be preferred in professional settings. The phrase's versatility and clear meaning make it a useful addition to one's vocabulary, as it succinctly conveys the ease and manageability of a given undertaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easy task

Replaces "work" with "task" to emphasize simplicity.

simple job

Substitutes "work" with "job", highlighting the undemanding nature of the activity.

effortless activity

Replaces both "light" and "work" to focus on the lack of required effort.

undemanding task

Uses "undemanding" to describe the task, emphasizing its ease.

manageable undertaking

Replaces "work" with a more formal "undertaking" and "light" with "manageable".

straightforward assignment

Highlights the uncomplicated nature of the work.

painless chore

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty or unpleasantness in the task.

minimal effort

Focuses on the low level of effort needed.

easy to handle

Highlights the simplicity and ease of managing the task or situation.

no sweat

Informal expression indicating the task is not challenging.

FAQs

How can I use "light work" in a sentence?

You can use "light work" to describe a task that is easy or requires little effort. For example, "Sorting these documents is "light work" compared to writing the report."

What are some synonyms for "light work"?

Alternatives to "light work" include "easy task", "simple job", or "effortless activity". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "light work" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "light work" may sound informal in some contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "straightforward assignment" or "manageable undertaking" for a more professional tone.

What does the idiom "many hands make light work" mean?

The idiom "many hands make light work" means that a task is easier and faster to complete when many people help with it. This is different from using "light work" to describe a task that is inherently easy.