primary work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary work" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to the main task or activity one is doing at a particular moment, or to the most important task or activity of all. For example, "My primary work is to design projects for the engineering team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The NFU's primary work is lobbying.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their primary work has been window displays in Chicago.

The New Yorker

It made sense to do it in a space separate from the primary work.

The New Yorker

Several sports psychologists said their primary work with young athletes was counseling the parents or coaches.

The New York Times - Sports

The money will be spent on continuing the organisation's primary work, he says.

The Guardian

But as I said, you know, they did the primary work.

The New Yorker

He did not have a Ph.D., and his primary work was in meteorological science.

The New York Times - Science

Future Primary Work Surface projects are also being planned outside her home.

The New York Times

We started in the primary work area in the basement of Sterling.

Yale University

My primary work is on identifying and characterizing secreted proteins of Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordeii.

Cornell University

My primary work and interest is around developing a classification theory for tame AECs.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's main job or duty, use "primary work" to clearly indicate their principal responsibility. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "primary work" when you mean "primary source", which refers to original materials used in research. "Primary work" refers to one's main job or duty, not a source of information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary work" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject complement or object of a preposition, indicating the main occupation, task, or responsibility. Ludwig shows it being used in diverse contexts to denote the principal activity or focus of individuals or organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primary work" is a versatile noun phrase that denotes the main occupation, task, or responsibility. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While generally neutral in register, it is crucial not to confuse it with similar-sounding terms like 'primary source'. To enrich your vocabulary, consider using alternatives such as "main task", "principal occupation", or "chief responsibility", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the expression remember that the most common mistake is to confuse "primary work" with "primary source".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main task

Replaces "primary work" with a simpler and more direct term.

principal occupation

Substitutes "primary work" with a more formal term for one's main job.

chief responsibility

Replaces "primary work" with a focus on the most important duty or obligation.

core function

Substitutes "primary work" emphasizing the essential activity or purpose.

major undertaking

Replaces "primary work" emphasizing the size and importance of a particular task.

central activity

Substitutes "primary work" with a focus on the most important action or process.

leading endeavor

Replaces "primary work" highlighting the significance and effort involved.

key focus

Substitutes "primary work" with a term emphasizing the main area of concentration.

main area of responsibility

Replaces "primary work" with a more detailed description of one's principal duties.

foremost duty

Replaces "primary work" stressing the priority and obligation of a particular task.

FAQs

How can I use "primary work" in a sentence?

You can use "primary work" to describe someone's main job or responsibility, as in "Her "primary work" is managing the team's projects".

What's a good alternative to "primary work"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "main task", "principal occupation", or "chief responsibility".

Is "primary work" formal or informal?

"Primary work" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's a neutral phrase suitable for most writing situations.

How does "primary work" differ from "secondary work"?

"Primary work" refers to the main job or responsibility, while "secondary work" refers to additional or less important tasks. Secondary work could be side projects or supporting duties outside of what's directly part of their principal role.