neat work

USAGE SUMMARY

"neat work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the quality of a job someone has done, and is often used as praise. For example, "Your painting looks great - neat work!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Outside, a pupil shows off two pages of neat work to Will Hodson, the project coordinator.

The Guardian

So with some neat work by the airline's operations team in Luton, easyJet passengers got where they needed to be.

Independent

Today, the mystery is solved thanks to some neat work by Jason Dittmann and pals at the University of Arizona.

MIT Technology Review

It took four months to debate and to draft, including two weeks to polish the prose, neat work done by a committee of style.

The New Yorker

Volodya, who had arrived the day before, is a slim, broad-shouldered man who usually wears neat work shirts and pants in shades of gray.

The New Yorker

He achieves his style with a scratchy pen, "it is better if it is scratchy because if it is neat work nothing happens.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The way life works today...with technology making us and our work accessible anytime...with couples each juggling their own goals...with the pressure to excel at everything at all times...the division of the day into neat work-life blocks just isn't possible.

Huffington Post

While the family is grow ing, the show is, too, and both librettist Sherman Yel len and director‐choreograph er Michael Kidd are doing their wisest, neatest work.

The New York Times

Desks are tidied up, children's neatest work is displayed, and every detail is meant to enhance parents' sense that school is a good place for their children to be.

The New York Times

Their simple and neat design work paired with their fine execution makes Sticky Monster Lab an important and inspirational facet of the contemporary creative scene in Seoul.

Vice

Match any cut pieces to create a nice neat looking work.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "neat work" to acknowledge someone's skill or effort in a specific task or project. It's best suited for situations where precision and attention to detail are valued.

Common error

Avoid using "neat work" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "exemplary execution" or "skilful accomplishment" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "neat work" functions primarily as an adjective phrase + noun, serving to commend or acknowledge a task or activity completed with precision and care. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

17%

Sports

17%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Neat work" is a commonly used phrase to express approval and acknowledge skill in completing a task. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in formal settings where alternatives like "skilful accomplishment" might be more appropriate. Ludwig examples show its widespread usage in news, sports, and academic contexts, signifying its broad acceptability. To express the same concept with different nuances, one can employ phrases such as "excellent job" or "impressive execution". Overall, "neat work" is a valuable part of one’s lexicon for providing positive feedback, especially where precision and detail are valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well done

A common and straightforward expression of approval for completed work.

excellent job

Emphasizes the high quality and skill involved in the work.

impressive execution

Focuses on the effectiveness and skill with which the work was carried out.

fine effort

Highlights the dedication and energy invested in the work.

skilled craftsmanship

Focuses on the expertise and artistry demonstrated in the work.

polished performance

Highlights the sophistication and refinement of the work.

adept performance

Emphasizes the proficiency and competence displayed in the execution.

commendable achievement

Highlights the praiseworthy nature and successful outcome of the work.

masterful creation

Implies a high level of skill and artistry, suggesting the work is a masterpiece.

exemplary task

Highlights that the task serves as a good example.

FAQs

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

"Neat work" is often used as an expression of praise after someone has completed a task with skill and precision. For example, you might say, "The report is well-organized and clearly written – neat work!"

What's the difference between "neat work" and "good job"?

While both phrases express approval, "neat work" specifically implies attention to detail and precision, whereas "good job" is a more general expression of satisfaction.

What can I say instead of "neat work"?

You can use alternatives like "excellent job", "well done", or "impressive execution" depending on the context and the specific aspect of the work you want to commend.

Is "neat work" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, but consider your audience and the level of formality required. While acceptable, it might be more impactful to use alternatives such as "skilful accomplishment" or "exemplary execution" in formal settings.