monkey work

USAGE SUMMARY

"monkey work" is not a correct or commonly used phrase in written English.
It is possible that someone may use it colloquially when discussing a tiresome or repetitive task, but it is not grammatically correct or commonly accepted. Example: "I hate doing all of this monkey work. Can't someone else do it?".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

With the monkey work, some researchers say, cloned human embryonic stem cells seem more feasible.

The New York Times - Science

The monkey work began because scientists and the National Institutes of Health urgently wanted genetically identical monkeys for research.

The New York Times - Science

Among the repertoire is a parable about greed and power, called "Monkey Work, Baboon Draw," the latter being a stand-in for the greedy and powerful.

The New York Times

She dismisses his monkey work as "rubbish".

BBC

Pulling my head out of monkey work, it is August in Towson, MD, my home town, and the Manly Arts Festival has arrived.

TechCrunch

Or if that sounds like grease monkey work, you can still just opt to jump in and put the pedal to the floor for some incredible race action.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Not to mention this gem: I'd rather have a trained monkey working for me than a nigger.

The Guardian - Sport

A $16 million purchase last year as a 2-year-old, The Green Monkey worked five furlongs in 1 00.62 Sunday at Belmont.

The New York Times - Sports

How is an aspiring monkey photographer supposed to make it if she can't stop the rampant internet piracy of monkey works?

The Guardian - Opinion

"You finish school, start with a big firm, and become a CAD monkey working in a little cubicle," he added, referring to computer-animated design.

The New York Times

My existence is culminated by the fact that I am just another cube monkey working for the man, inhabiting an apartment in the supposed greatest city on earth which is actually an urban jungle that wretches my stomach everytime I walk out the door but hey at least I'm famous, right?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to research or studies involving monkeys, be specific about the context. Instead of using "monkey work", use descriptive terms like "research involving primates" or "study of simian behavior".

Common error

Avoid using "monkey work" in formal or professional writing. It may come across as too informal or even dismissive, potentially undermining the credibility of your message. Use precise terminology like "primate research" or "experimental studies with monkeys" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "monkey work" functions as a compound noun, although its grammatical correctness is questionable. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, it isn't a recognized idiom in standard English. However, it seems to be used in two main contexts: to refer to research involving monkeys, or colloquially to describe tedious or repetitive tasks.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

60%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "monkey work" appears in some contexts, including news and science, it is not considered grammatically correct according to Ludwig AI. It's used to describe either research related to monkeys or, informally, tedious tasks. For formal or academic writing, it's best to avoid "monkey work" and use more precise and professional alternatives like "research involving primates" or "repetitive task". Be mindful of the audience and context to ensure clarity and maintain a suitable tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work with monkeys

A more general description for a study involving Monkeys.

research involving monkeys

Specifically refers to studies or experiments using monkeys.

repetitive task

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the work, omitting the reference to monkeys.

experiments on primates

A formal way to describe scientific work with monkeys.

tedious job

Highlights the boring and monotonous aspect of the work.

study of simian behavior

Focuses on the behavioral aspect of research with monkeys.

menial labor

Emphasizes the low-skill nature of the work.

criticism of primate studies

Specifically highlights a critique related to work with monkeys.

assessment of monkey research

Refers to an evaluation or judgment about research involving monkeys.

scrutiny of simian research

Emphasizes close and critical examination of studies with monkeys.

FAQs

What does "monkey work" mean?

While not a standard phrase, "monkey work" colloquially might refer to repetitive, mindless tasks or work involving monkeys in research. However, be aware that "repetitive task" or "research involving monkeys" are more precise alternatives.

Is it correct to use "monkey work" in academic writing?

No, "monkey work" is generally inappropriate for academic writing. Use formal and specific terms like "primate research", "simian studies", or simply "work with monkeys". This ensures clarity and maintains a professional tone.

What are some alternative phrases for describing research with monkeys?

Instead of "monkey work", consider using "primate research", "simian studies", "experimental studies with monkeys", or "research involving primates".

How can I avoid using "monkey work" when describing a tiresome task?

If you intend to describe a tiresome or repetitive task, alternatives to "monkey work" include "tedious job", "menial labor", or ""repetitive task"". These phrases are more widely accepted and clearly convey the intended meaning.