odd job

USAGE SUMMARY

"odd job" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a job that is not part of one's regular work duties, or to any task (such as a DIY project) that is not typical. Example Sentence: She completed a few odd jobs around the house on the weekend to save money on hiring a handyman.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

It's an odd job, conducting.

The New York Times

She thinks it's an odd job.

The Guardian - Film

After lunch, Porter gave Vann his first odd job.

The New Yorker

I did every odd job in the place.

Harvard Business Review

The other roommate goes from odd job to odd job until landing a spot on a reality show starring women who compete to remain virgins.

The New York Times

He reminded me of Odd Job, the "Goldfinger" villain, without the bowler and the mustache.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

I did odd jobs.

The New York Times - Arts

Did odd jobs around town.

The New York Times

He worked odd jobs.

The New York Times - Sports

He also worked sporadically at odd jobs.

The New Yorker

The odd jobs didn't add up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "odd job", ensure the context clearly indicates the temporary and often unskilled nature of the work. Avoid using it for specialized or long-term employment.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "odd job" in highly formal or professional documents, as it can sound too casual. Opt for more formal terms like "temporary assignment" or "short-term contract" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "odd job" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a task or employment opportunity that is temporary and typically not part of a regular career or job description. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "odd job" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to temporary or unspecialized work. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It is frequently found in news and media sources, and while acceptable in neutral contexts, might be less appropriate for formal academic or business writing. Related phrases include "temporary work" and "casual labor". When using "odd job", clarity of context is important to ensure the temporary nature of the work is understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one-off job

Emphasizes the non-recurring nature of the task.

temporary work

Focuses on the transient nature of the employment.

casual labor

Emphasizes the informality and lack of commitment associated with the work.

freelance gig

Highlights the independent and project-based nature of the work.

part-time task

Stresses the limited hours and scope of the work.

side hustle

Implies the work is undertaken in addition to a primary job.

small task

Underscores the simplicity and limited scope of the work.

minor assignment

Highlights the unimportance and relative insignificance of the work.

errand

Focuses on a specific, short-term task, often of a personal nature.

piecework

Highlights work paid according to the amount produced.

FAQs

How can I use "odd job" in a sentence?

You can say, "He earns extra money by doing "odd jobs" around the neighborhood", or "Finding a stable career was difficult, so she relied on a series of "odd jobs" to make ends meet."

What's a more formal alternative to "odd job"?

Instead of "odd job", consider using terms like "temporary employment", "short-term assignment", or "casual labor" in professional or academic contexts.

What is the difference between "odd job" and "career"?

"Odd job" refers to temporary or sporadic work, often unskilled or varied in nature. A "career", on the other hand, is a long-term, professional path with opportunities for advancement and skill development.

Is "odd job" always related to low-paying work?

Not necessarily. While many "odd jobs" may be low-paying, the term primarily describes the temporary and often unskilled nature of the work, not necessarily the compensation.