simple worker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simple worker" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone who performs manual or unskilled labor, as opposed to someone in a more specialized or higher-level job. Example: The factory relied on a team of simple workers to assemble the products quickly and efficiently.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"My father was a simple worker, not a boss," he told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

You used simple signs taken from everyday life and the worker isn't just a posing body-builder but a simple worker.

Columbia University

"Greek workers pay their taxes, which are unbearable," he said, adding, "For tax evaders, she should turn to Pasok and New Democracy" — the two pro-mnimonio parties that have run Greece for decades — "to explain to her why they haven't touched the big money and have been chasing the simple worker for two years".

The New Yorker

"Greek workers pay their taxes, which are unbearable," he said, adding, "For tax evaders, she should turn to Pasok and New Democracy"—the two pro-mnimonio parties that have run Greece for decades—"to explain to her why they haven't touched the big money and have been chasing the simple worker for two years".

The New Yorker

"Greek workers pay their taxes, which are unbearable," he said, adding, "For tax evaders, she should turn to Pasok and New Democracy"—the two pro-mnimonio parties that have run Greece for decades—"to explain to her why they haven't touched the big money and have been chasing the simple worker for two years". But that's the point.

The New Yorker

This is a simple, worker's eatery — as simple as it gets — but it's buzzing with people eating in or taking the food to go.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

They questioned thousands of people, even simple workers.

The New York Times

The reason, Mr. Kropp said, is simple: Workers are not being rewarded for their efforts.

The New York Times

"Simple workers make more money than people with higher educations," Mr. Kovznetsov explained.

The New York Times

Vladimir Orlov, 48, agreed, saying, "For simple workers, life under the Communists was better, more stable, and we lived better".

The New York Times

My most frightening memory - how ordinary they were: simple workers, farmers or tradesmen, often surrounded by wives and family.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "simple worker", ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to the complexity of the job or the worker's perceived status.

Common error

Be mindful that the term "simple worker" can sometimes carry unintended connotations of lower value or skill. Instead of saying "simple worker" you can use "unskilled employee" to be more specific about the nature of the work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simple worker" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "simple" modifies the noun "worker". It designates an individual employed in a role requiring minimal skills or expertise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "simple worker" is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase to describe individuals in roles that require minimal skills or expertise. Ludwig AI confirms this. While the phrase is generally considered neutral, it's crucial to be aware of potential negative connotations and consider alternative terms like "entry-level worker" or "unskilled employee" depending on the context. The term is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unskilled employee

Focuses on the level of skill required for the job.

ordinary employee

Highlights the typical or common nature of the employment.

entry-level worker

Highlights the worker's position as being at the beginning of their career or in a hierarchy.

basic level employee

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the employee's tasks.

rank-and-file employee

Emphasizes the worker's membership within the general body of employees, excluding management.

general worker

Emphasizes the broad or non-specialized nature of the work.

blue-collar worker

Refers to workers who perform manual labor.

lower level staff

Specifies the worker's position in the organizational hierarchy.

junior staff member

Indicates the worker's relative inexperience or lower rank.

laborer

A more general term for someone engaged in physical work.

FAQs

How can I use "simple worker" in a sentence?

You can use "simple worker" to describe someone in a manual or unskilled job, as in: "The factory employed many "simple workers" to assemble the products".

Is "simple worker" a derogatory term?

While not inherently derogatory, "simple worker" can be perceived as such if the context implies a lack of value. Consider using more neutral terms like "entry-level worker" or "unskilled employee" if appropriate.

What is the difference between "simple worker" and "laborer"?

"Laborer" is a broader term that refers to anyone who performs physical labor, while "simple worker" implies the work requires minimal skill or training.

What are some alternative phrases for "simple worker"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms such as "entry-level worker", "unskilled employee", or "rank-and-file employee".