odd jobs

USAGE SUMMARY

'odd jobs' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a variety of tasks or jobs, usually done for pay, which have no common link. For example, "I have been doing a lot of odd jobs this summer to make some extra money for college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

Back home, she took odd jobs.

The New Yorker

People would give him odd jobs.

The New York Times

My sisters work odd jobs.

The New York Times

Odd jobs got him through college.

The New York Times - Books

So she began working those odd jobs.

The New York Times

Previously, Mr. Corchado did odd jobs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the types of "odd jobs", be specific to provide a clearer picture. For example, instead of saying "He does odd jobs", specify "He does odd jobs like gardening and cleaning gutters".

Common error

Avoid using "odd jobs" when referring to a consistent, full-time position. "Odd jobs" implies variety and irregularity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "odd jobs" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it referring to various tasks performed for income.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "odd jobs" refers to various tasks or jobs, usually done for pay, which have no common link. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. This analysis reveals that "odd jobs" is most frequently found in news and media, reflecting its relevance in discussing employment and economic situations. While broadly acceptable, more formal alternatives like "temporary employment" may be preferred in professional settings. The examples from Ludwig underscore the phrase's function in describing diverse income-earning activities. Common errors include using it for full-time positions, which it does not accurately describe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasional work

Focuses on the sporadic nature of the work.

temporary gigs

Emphasizes short-term, often informal, work opportunities.

small tasks

Highlights the minor scale and scope of the jobs.

casual labor

Suggests a less formal and less structured type of work.

part-time work

Focuses on working fewer hours than a full-time job.

freelance assignments

Implies an independent contractor status and project-based work.

errand services

Highlights the service-oriented and often immediate nature of the tasks.

side hustles

Refers to jobs or activities undertaken to earn extra money.

various chores

Emphasizes the mundane and routine aspects of the tasks.

assorted tasks

Highlights the varied and miscellaneous nature of the work.

FAQs

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

You can say "She supports herself by doing "odd jobs" around the neighborhood" or "He pieced together a living with a series of "odd jobs"".

What are some alternatives to "odd jobs"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "temporary gigs", "casual labor", or "part-time work".

Is it appropriate to use "odd jobs" in formal writing?

While "odd jobs" is widely understood, it leans towards informal. In formal contexts, consider using "temporary employment" or "short-term assignments" for a more professional tone.

What kind of work counts as "odd jobs"?

"Odd jobs" typically refers to a variety of small, often unskilled or semi-skilled tasks that don't constitute a regular or specialized career. Examples include "mowing lawns", "babysitting", or "running errands".