self-employed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self-employed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who works for themselves rather than being employed by a company or organization. Example: "After years of working in corporate jobs, she decided to become self-employed and start her own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I am self-employed.

Independent

Independence: You're self-employed.

The New York Times

I was self-employed.

The New York Times

Workers, employers, self-employed.

The Guardian

He's self-employed.

The Guardian

"I'm self-employed," he said.

The New Yorker

Neither are the self-employed.

The New York Times

Self-employed, married, four children.

The Guardian - Money

That's a self-employed businessman".

The New York Times

He is also self-employed.

The New York Times

We are self-employed people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "self-employed", ensure the context clarifies the nature of their work and their level of autonomy. For example, "She's a self-employed graphic designer who works from home."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "self-employed" individuals have the same tax obligations as traditional employees. "Self-employed" individuals are responsible for both employer and employee portions of taxes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-employed" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone who works for themselves rather than being employed by another. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, consistently denoting this independent work status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "self-employed" is a common and grammatically correct adjective used to describe individuals who work for themselves. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Business, signaling its neutrality and broad applicability. When using the term, ensure clarity in the context and awareness of the associated tax implications. For alternative phrasing, consider "freelance worker" or "independent contractor" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Freelance worker

Focuses specifically on the nature of work being project-based rather than permanent employment.

Independent contractor

Highlights the contractual nature of the work arrangement, emphasizing autonomy.

Sole proprietor

Emphasizes the legal structure of the business, where the individual and the business are one entity.

Own boss

An idiomatic way of saying, with focus on independence and decision making.

Small business owner

Shifts the focus to business ownership rather than the employment status.

Autonomous worker

Stresses the independence and self-governance aspect of the employment.

Independent professional

Highlights the professional nature of the work, suggesting expertise.

One's own account

Refers to working for oneself, often in the context of financial or business ventures.

Working independently

Highlights the lack of direct supervision and the ability to make independent decisions.

Self-directed

Emphasizes the characteristic of being able to make decisions for oneself.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "self-employed"?

Being "self-employed" means you work for yourself rather than for an employer. You're responsible for your own taxes and may have more flexibility in your work schedule.

What are some synonyms for "self-employed"?

Alternatives to "self-employed" include "freelance", "independent contractor", or "sole proprietor", depending on the specific context.

How do taxes work if I am "self-employed"?

If you are "self-employed", you are responsible for paying self-employment taxes, which include both Social Security and Medicare taxes. You also need to file Schedule C with your tax return to report your business income and expenses.

What are the benefits of being "self-employed"?

The benefits of being "self-employed" can include greater autonomy, flexible work hours, and the potential for higher earnings. However, it also comes with responsibilities like managing your own healthcare and retirement.