routine job

USAGE SUMMARY

"routine job" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a job that involves recurring tasks which are done in a specific order on a regular basis. For example, "My job as a cashier involves a lot of routine tasks, such as counting the money in the register at the beginning and end of every shift."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"It was a routine job," she said.

The New York Times

She said this apartment, covered with roaches and mouse droppings, was a routine job.

The New York Times

Still, all in all, it had been a pretty routine job for the Horizon.

The New York Times

JOHANNESBURG — For Dr. Cyril Karabus, it was a routine job, albeit in an exotic location.

The New York Times

This was a fairly routine job for the firefighters at New York City's Engine Company 173.

The New York Times

This means accepting challenging assignments or, if they are locked in a more routine job, taking responsibility for educating themselves.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"Salespeople are one of the prime examples of routine jobs".

The New York Times

The cost of routine jobs, like refurbishing bathrooms, soared 10 times higher than projected.

The New York Times

She worked in routine jobs at the ABC and Macmillan's Australian office, and she wrote.

The Guardian - Books

He blames this shift in part on technology, which is automating mid-level but routine jobs.

The Guardian

Routine jobs are ill-fated jobs, and it makes little difference whether the robot or foreign competition do them in.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "routine job", consider specifying the industry or field to provide more context. For example, "a routine job in data entry" offers more clarity than simply "a routine job".

Common error

Avoid stacking too many adjectives before "job" when describing a task. Instead of "a boring, monotonous, routine job", try to use more concise and impactful language, such as "a repetitive and unchallenging role".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "routine job" functions as a noun phrase, where "routine" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "job". It describes the type of work involved, characterizing it as predictable and standard. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's used in various contexts to depict employment or tasks lacking novelty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "routine job" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe work that is predictable, repetitive, and often lacks complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for general communication, particularly in News & Media and Science. While the phrase is neutral, it can imply a lack of challenge, so consider context when writing. Remember that precise language, such as “a routine job in data entry”, offers greater clarity. For more formal contexts, consider using "standard assignment" or "typical duty". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use and interpret the phrase "routine job" in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standard task

Replaces "job" with a more generic term for a piece of work, focusing on its typical nature.

typical assignment

Highlights the commonness and expected nature of the task.

regular duty

Emphasizes the recurring nature and obligation associated with the work.

mundane occupation

Focuses on the lack of excitement or interest in the work.

run-of-the-mill task

Indicates that the task is ordinary and not special in any way.

ordinary employment

Highlights the common and unremarkable nature of the job.

everyday work

Stresses the daily and commonplace aspect of the job.

commonplace chore

Emphasizes the simplicity and frequent repetition of the task.

repetitive task

Focuses on the recurring and unchanging nature of the work involved.

standard procedure

Highlights the structured and predictable nature of the job.

FAQs

How can I use "routine job" in a sentence?

You can use "routine job" to describe a task or position that is regular, predictable, and often lacks complexity. For example, "Data entry can be a "repetitive task", and many consider it a "routine job".

What's a more formal alternative to "routine job"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "standard assignment" or "typical duty" instead of "routine job". These phrases maintain a professional tone while conveying a similar meaning.

What kind of jobs are typically considered "routine jobs"?

Jobs that involve repetitive tasks performed according to a set procedure are often categorized as "routine jobs". Examples include data entry, assembly line work, and certain administrative tasks.

What is the impact of automation on "routine jobs"?

Automation increasingly threatens "routine jobs" as technology becomes capable of performing repetitive tasks more efficiently and cost-effectively. This trend leads to displacement of workers in these roles.