principal occupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal occupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone's main job or profession, often in formal contexts such as resumes or official documents. Example: "Her principal occupation is that of a university professor, where she teaches biology and conducts research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

That's my principal occupation".

The New Yorker

Agriculture is the principal occupation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their principal occupation is fishing for lobsters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cattle grazing is the principal occupation.

Britannica

Agriculture is the principal occupation in this sparsely populated province.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Artest in 2010, engaged in his principal occupation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Work is her principal occupation-she has no hobbie or outside interests.

The New Yorker

Hunting, fishing, and breeding of reindeer are the principal occupations.

Britannica

Fishing and farming are the principal occupations of the region.

Britannica

Principal occupations are cattle and poultry marketing, engineering, brewing, leatherwork, and printing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The original Ga immigrants were farmers, but today fishing and trading in imported goods are the principal occupations.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "principal occupation" in formal writing or when completing official forms where a precise and professional term is required.

Common error

Avoid using "principle occupation" instead of "principal occupation". "Principle" refers to a fundamental truth or proposition, while "principal" means main or most important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal occupation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies someone's main profession or job. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "principal occupation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote someone's main job or profession. Ludwig AI validates its formal usage across various domains, including encyclopedias, news media, and science. While alternatives like "main job" or "primary profession" exist, "principal occupation" maintains a more formal tone, making it suitable for official documents and professional contexts. Remember to avoid the common mistake of using "principle" instead of "principal". This phrase serves to precisely identify an individual's primary source of work and is widely understood in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main job

Focuses on the everyday term for primary work.

primary profession

Highlights the professional aspect of the main work.

principal employment

A more formal way to describe the main job.

chief activity

Emphasizes the main action or pursuit.

main line of work

Refers to the general type of employment.

primary source of income

Highlights the financial aspect of the main job.

major vocation

A more elevated term for calling or profession.

career focus

Focuses on the direction of someone's career.

central role

Emphasizes the importance of the occupation.

foremost pursuit

Indicates the main aim or goal in terms of work.

FAQs

How to use "principal occupation" in a sentence?

You can use "principal occupation" to describe someone's main job or profession, for example: "Her "principal occupation" is that of a university professor.".

What can I say instead of "principal occupation"?

You can use alternatives like "main job", "primary profession", or "chief activity" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "principal occupation" or "principle occupation"?

"Principal occupation" is correct. "Principle" refers to a fundamental truth or belief, while "principal" means main or most important.

What's the difference between "principal occupation" and "primary job"?

"Principal occupation" is generally more formal than "primary job". The latter is a simpler and more common term in everyday conversation.