perform labor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perform labor" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to physical or intellectual work. For example, "The construction workers had to perform labor for 12 hours in the sweltering heat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

If we believe artists perform labor of value, we should also care about how (and whether) they get paid.

The New Yorker

Since an estimated 70% of employees who perform labor intensive agricultural jobs nationwide are unauthorized, any changes to the current system could have far-reaching effects.

Cornell University

He denied that staff members had been forced to perform labor for him, saying those who worked on his family farm did so because "they liked me" and because they were looking for raises.

The New York Times

made previous to the importation or migration of such alien or aliens, foreigner or foreigners, to perform labor or service of any kind in the United States". 143 U.S., at 458, 12 S.Ct., at 511.

Cornell University

Currently, employers who want to hire an H-1B worker are not required to perform labor market tests to ensure there are no available American workers, but only attest that no American worker has been displaced at their company as a result.

The New York Times

(Germany has paid huge reparations to Israel in the name of the Jewish people at large, and the German government, German companies and a number of other institutions established a multibillion-dollar fund to compensate those forced to perform labor during Nazi internment).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He would inquire as to the status of a black woman who would perform labor-related work duties in the community when others may not have had paid her much attention.

Huffington Post

However, only 50 100 vessels can be handled per lot due to the need to perform labor-intensive handling tasks, rendering this type of system unsuitable for large-scale production.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering

On Sunday afternoon, Si Kahn performs labor songs, Bob Conroy and Dan Milner and the Johnson Girls sing maritime and saloon chanteys.

The New York Times

The dominant tendency today privileges economic growth, thus being the maximization of performed labor per energy unit its ultimate goal.

Energy Procedia

In this context, a "seasonal worker" is someone who performs labor or services on a seasonal basis, including retail workers exclusively employed during holiday seasons.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider more descriptive and alternative wording if your goal is to highlight the type of labor.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "perform labor" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "work" or "do work" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perform labor" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the act of doing work, often implying a specific task or duty, as confirmed by Ludwig and its examples. It indicates action or execution of work.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perform labor" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of working, often with an implication of duty or contractual obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's accurate for written English. While found across various contexts, including news, academia, and science, its formality lends itself more to official or professional settings than casual conversation. Alternatives like "carry out work" or "undertake tasks" may be more appropriate in informal situations. Remember that while versatile, mindful word choice can help express the meaning most effectively, and it's advisable to be descriptive if the type of labor must be pointed out.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engage in work

This alternative focuses on the involvement or participation in work-related activities.

carry out work

This alternative uses a more general verb, "carry out", making it slightly broader in scope than "perform labor".

complete tasks

This alternative focuses on achieving and finalizing particular duties.

undertake tasks

This alternative emphasizes the completion of specific "tasks" rather than general labor.

fulfill assignments

This alternative emphasizes the completion of specific tasks or projects that have been assigned.

execute duties

This alternative is more formal and implies a sense of obligation or assigned responsibility.

discharge responsibilities

This alternative implies fulfilling obligations or commitments through work.

render service

This alternative is formal and suggests providing assistance or support through work.

exert effort

This alternative emphasizes the physical or mental exertion involved in the work.

apply oneself

This alternative suggests a dedicated and focused approach to the work.

FAQs

How can I use "perform labor" in a sentence?

You can use "perform labor" to describe the act of doing work, as in "The workers were contracted to "perform labor" on the construction site".

What are some alternatives to "perform labor"?

Alternatives include "carry out work", "undertake tasks", or "engage in work", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "perform labor" and "do work"?

"Perform labor" is more formal and often implies a contractual or obligatory aspect, while "do work" is a more general and informal expression.

When is it appropriate to use "perform labor" instead of "work"?

Use "perform labor" in formal contexts, such as legal documents or official reports, where a precise and somewhat detached tone is preferred. "Work" is generally suitable for everyday situations.