outside of work

USAGE SUMMARY

"outside of work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to mean "not related to your job or not during the hours that you are working." For example, "I like to stay active outside of work by playing tennis with my friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You have to be like that outside of work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Plus, it's meant for tracking time outside of work, too.

TechCrunch

What new skills are you interested in outside of work?

Forbes

What can each person bring from outside of work?

Huffington Post

What makes her happy outside of work?

Independent

It's bad enough outside of work.

Independent

They have lives outside of work too.

The Guardian

Ignite your passion outside of work.

Harvard Business Review

People also socialized outside of work.

Harvard Business Review

Outside of work is house work!

Nature

Working weekends doesn't really affect my life outside of work.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outside of work" to emphasize the importance of personal life and hobbies in reducing stress and improving overall well-being.

Common error

Avoid using "off work" when you mean activities unrelated to your job. "Off work" typically refers to being on leave or not scheduled to work, while "outside of work" encompasses all aspects of life beyond employment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside of work" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the time, location, or circumstances under which an action occurs. As demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, it serves to delineate activities or interests that are not related to one's employment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "outside of work" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to activities and aspects of life unrelated to one's job. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity in differentiating between professional and personal spheres. Alternative phrases like "in one's free time" or "after hours" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid confusion with similar phrases like "off work", which has a distinct meaning. This phrase is useful for discussing work-life balance, personal interests, and relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-work activities

Directly contrasts activities related to work.

in one's personal life

Shifts the focus to one's individual experiences and relationships.

in one's free time

Focuses on time allocation, specifically leisure activities.

beyond the workplace

Broadly refers to anything outside the professional setting.

after hours

Emphasizes the time period following the end of the workday.

personal pursuits

Highlights individual interests and hobbies.

away from the office

Highlights the change of environment, focusing on being physically elsewhere.

during leisure time

Specifically refers to the time dedicated to relaxation and enjoyment.

extracurricular activities

Emphasizes structured or organized activities outside of work.

off the clock

Informal expression indicating time not being paid for.

FAQs

How can I use "outside of work" in a sentence?

You can use "outside of work" to describe activities, interests, or relationships that are not related to your job. For example, "I enjoy painting "outside of work"" or "It's important to have hobbies "outside of work"".

What are some alternative phrases for "outside of work"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in my "free time"", "after hours", or "in my "personal life"", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "outside work" instead of "outside of work"?

While "outside work" might be understood, "outside of work" is the more grammatically standard and widely accepted phrasing. It's generally better to include the "of" for clarity.

What's the difference between "outside of work" and "at work"?

"Outside of work" refers to activities and aspects of life separate from one's job, while "at work" refers to activities and responsibilities carried out during working hours.