respectable occupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "respectable occupation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a job or profession that is considered honorable or socially acceptable. Example: "She chose a respectable occupation in teaching, believing it to be a noble way to contribute to society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Having become accepted as a respectable occupation within Iran nursing has now turned its attention to professional respectability.

BMC Medical Education

Delany calls this "a circumstance very grievous to her," perhaps because professional singing was not an entirely respectable occupation at the time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She's glad to have been taught table manners at home, and to be able to say, when Ernest Morrison asks her what her father does, "He's a wool merchant", which sounds a respectable occupation.

The Guardian - Books

Published in 1847, Anne Brontë's first novel has a documentary quality, being based on her experiences of working as a governess (at the time the only respectable occupation available to unmarried women of reduced circumstances).

The Guardian - Books

It's a respectable occupation with benefits.

Vice

So it's kind of crazy to us that it's still not recognized as a respectable occupation.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I'd like to do people who are well known, even people who are involved in perfectly respectable occupations".

The New York Times

Usually encountering less discrimination in baseball (as well as in other venues of commercial entertainment) than they did in the more "respectable" occupations, in the 19th century Irish and German Americans were so conspicuous in professional baseball that some observers wondered if they had a special capacity for playing the game.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, many East Enders worked in lowly but respectable occupations such as carters, porters and costermongers.

Wikipedia

Many of them have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, educators, and other respectable occupations, but they were just raised unaware of the definition of racism.

Huffington Post

As Wollstonecraft scholar Virginia Sapiro points out in her description of Mary, the novel anticipates many of the themes that would come to dominate Wollstonecraft's later writings, such as her concern with the "slavery of marriage" and the absence of any respectable occupations for women.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "respectable occupation" to emphasize the social standing and ethical considerations associated with different professions in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "respectable occupation" too frequently when describing contemporary careers, as it can sound outdated. Consider using alternatives like "fulfilling career" or "valued profession" to better reflect modern values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "respectable occupation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "respectable" modifies the noun "occupation". It typically serves to describe a job or profession that is viewed positively and ethically by society. Ludwig confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "respectable occupation" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a job or profession considered honorable or socially acceptable. While Ludwig AI indicates its usage is correct, it's more common in news, encyclopedia, and scientific contexts. When writing, consider the connotations of social standing and ethical behavior associated with this phrase. Overusing this phrase in contemporary contexts may sound outdated, so modern alternatives like "valued profession" or "fulfilling career" could be more appropriate. Also consider using related phrases like "honorable profession", or "reputable job" to provide variations in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reputable job

Simple substitution of "occupation" with job, emphasizing the good standing of the employment.

Decent line of work

Uses a more colloquial tone to convey that the job is honest and respectable.

Honorable profession

Replaces "occupation" with a term that emphasizes ethical and moral value, suggesting a higher degree of esteem.

Respected livelihood

Highlights the societal approval of the way someone earns their living.

Creditable career

Focuses on the positive reputation and achievements associated with a long-term job or profession.

Socially acceptable employment

Focuses on the social norms and acceptance associated with the type of work.

Esteemed vocation

Uses more formal language to highlight the high regard in which the work is held.

Admirable calling

Emphasizes the inspiring and praiseworthy nature of the occupation, suggesting a sense of purpose.

Proper field of endeavor

Suggests the occupation is suitable and appropriate based on societal standards.

Uptown pursuit

Emphasizes the sophistication and refinement of career or educational goals.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "respectable occupation" in a sentence?

You can use "respectable occupation" to describe a job or profession that is considered honorable or socially acceptable. For example: "She chose a "respectable occupation" in teaching, believing it to be a noble way to contribute to society."

What are some alternatives to saying "respectable occupation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "honorable profession", "reputable job", or "esteemed vocation".

Is "respectable occupation" formal or informal?

"Respectable occupation" leans towards a more formal tone, often used in discussions about social status or historical contexts. In contemporary conversation, "valued profession" or "fulfilling career" might be more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "respectable occupation" in my writing?

Use "respectable occupation" when you want to emphasize the social or ethical implications of a particular job or profession, especially in historical or sociological contexts. Avoid overusing it in casual conversations.