manual laborers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "manual laborers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals who perform physical work, often involving hands-on tasks or physical effort, typically in industries such as construction, agriculture, or manufacturing. Example: "The company is hiring manual laborers to assist with the construction of the new building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Labour Party was a mix of university dons and manual laborers.

The New York Times

Still, if the Sahel has a surplus of anything, it's manual laborers.

The New Yorker

And, in a sense, only manual laborers could have found hope on such a site.

The New York Times - Magazine

Stockbrokers stand on the N or R train beside manual laborers from Mexico.

The New York Times

Manual laborers, who do the heavy lifting at construction sites and the like, typically retire early.

The New York Times

In times of economic crises like this, it is the manual laborers who gets the pick of the statistics.

The New Yorker

Yet Mr. Apichatpong's empathy for northeastern Thais, who have traditionally been manual laborers and farmers, shines through.

The New York Times

Europe's emphasis on leisure time, he says, allows even manual laborers to develop themselves more than Americans.

The New York Times

The British noted the Hazaras' role as servants and manual laborers in Kabul, and saw an opportunity.

The New Yorker

There are no happy endings to the narratives about Delhi's marginal manual laborers in Sethi's first book.

The New York Times - Books

Tells about the high unemployment rate in Tamil Nadu, and the manual laborers at a stone-crushing camp.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid generalizations or stereotypes when discussing "manual laborers". Recognize the diversity of skills and experiences within this group.

Common error

A common mistake is assuming all "manual laborers" perform unskilled work. Many possess specialized skills and training in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work. Always consider the specific context and avoid broad assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "manual laborers" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a group of people who perform physical work. Ludwig confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "manual laborers" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to describe individuals engaged in physical labor. Ludwig AI confirms its wide application across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this term, it's important to consider the specific context of the work and avoid generalizations about skill levels. Alternatives like "blue-collar workers" or "physical laborers" may be suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey. While generally neutral, be mindful of potential connotations and ensure respectful language. In conclusion, "manual laborers" is a versatile and appropriate term when used thoughtfully and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blue-collar workers

Emphasizes the type of work and societal classification of the workers.

physical laborers

Highlights the physical aspect of the work performed.

tradespeople

Focuses on skilled manual work, such as carpentry or plumbing.

laboring class

Refers to the social class of people engaged in manual labor.

working-class individuals

Highlights the socioeconomic status of those who perform manual labor.

construction workers

Specific to those who perform manual labor within the construction industry.

factory workers

Specific to those who perform manual labor within a factory setting.

unskilled workers

Emphasizes the lack of specialized training required for the work.

rank and file workers

Highlights their position in a hierarchical organization, typically in a unionized setting.

labor force

Broader term referring to all employed individuals, including those in manual labor.

FAQs

How can I use "manual laborers" in a sentence?

You can use "manual laborers" to describe workers engaged in physical labor, such as in construction or agriculture. For example, "The construction site employed a large number of manual laborers."

What is another way to say "manual laborers"?

Alternatives include "blue-collar workers", "physical laborers", or "tradespeople" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "manual laborers" in formal writing?

Yes, "manual laborers" is generally acceptable in formal writing, particularly when describing a workforce or segment of the labor market. However, be mindful of potential connotations and consider more specific terms if appropriate.

What's the difference between "manual laborers" and "unskilled workers"?

"Manual laborers" refers to the type of work performed (physical labor), while "unskilled workers" describes the level of skill required. While some manual labor jobs may be unskilled, many require specialized training and expertise.