office work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "office work" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to any kind of work that is done in an office, such as administrative tasks, paperwork, filing, etc. Example: I had to concentrate on my office work this morning, so I couldn't take the phone call.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The eligibility criterion was employees performing office work for at least half of their working hours.

BioMed Research International

Microtask outsources office work.

The Economist

Games, sure, but also office work.

The New York Times - Tech

Swingline promised to make office work easy.

The New York Times

Office work and childcare – such treats!

The Guardian - Opinion

His health was poor and office work exhausted him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Doesn't trekking on a treadmill hamper office work?

The New York Times

I was doing office work, having left college at 18.

Independent

Her mother, Ester, did office work for a government agency.

The New York Times

Instead of office work, he suggested mobilizing young people.

The New York Times

Porter abandoned office work for field service in 1862.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using the phrase "office work". In formal contexts, more precise terms like 'administrative duties' or 'clerical tasks' may be more appropriate.

Common error

Don't use "office work" as a catch-all term without providing context. Specify the nature of the work to give a clearer picture of the job or activity involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "office work" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to work conducted in an office setting. For example, "Instead of office work, he suggested mobilizing young people."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "office work" is a grammatically sound and very common noun phrase used to describe tasks performed in an office environment. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is more suited to informal or general discussions. For more formal contexts, specific terms like "administrative duties" or "clerical tasks" might be more appropriate. The phrase is frequently encountered in news and media, as well as scientific literature. When using "office work", it is beneficial to specify the exact nature of the job or activity to provide clarity. The related phrases offer alternative options depending on the nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clerical duties

Focuses specifically on the administrative and record-keeping aspects of office work.

administrative tasks

Emphasizes the managerial and organizational aspects of work done in an office.

desk job

Informal term referring to a job primarily performed at a desk, typically involving paperwork and computer use.

paperwork

Highlights the handling and processing of documents as part of office responsibilities.

corporate job

Refers to work within a corporation, often implying a structured and hierarchical environment.

white-collar job

Describes professional or administrative work, differentiating it from manual labor.

business operations

Focuses on the activities that keep a business running, which may include office-based roles.

staff functions

Emphasizes the supportive roles within an organization, often performed in an office setting.

front-office activities

Relates to customer-facing or visible activities of an organization that might include office work.

back-office operations

Focuses on the internal administrative functions that support the core activities of a business.

FAQs

What are some common examples of "office work"?

Common examples include data entry, customer service, bookkeeping, and administrative assistance.

What skills are typically required for "office work"?

Typically, strong computer skills, communication skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail are necessary for "office work".

What is the difference between "office work" and a "desk job"?

While the terms are similar, "desk job" is a more informal term for work primarily done at a desk, while "office work" is a broader term that can include managerial, administrative, and creative roles within an office setting. You can also consider "clerical duties" or "administrative tasks".

Is "office work" considered light or heavy work?

"Office work" is generally considered light work, as it typically involves sedentary activities and minimal physical exertion. "Home and office work" is often used when classifying levels of physical activity.