small job

USAGE SUMMARY

"small job" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a task that is minimal in scope or difficulty, such as spring cleaning the yard. For example, you could say, "I finished the small job of raking the leaves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was a small job.

The New Yorker

To fix it was no small job.

The New York Times - Sports

Ruling the kingdom is no small job.

The Economist

That's not a small job.

The Guardian - Sport

That is no small job.

The New York Times

"A small job done by one guy".

The New Yorker

And even a small job can strain a building's finances.

The New York Times

At his press conference, General Terry said that restoring the Iraqi Army was no small job.

The New Yorker

"I just wanted a small job, a small profession," he explained through a translator.

The New York Times - Magazine

One small job a month is enough to pay for the basics.

The Guardian

"It's not a small job," he said of the new manager's task.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing tasks within a larger project, use "small job" to clearly indicate the scale and effort required for that particular component. This helps in setting realistic expectations and allocating resources effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "small job" when the task, although seemingly minor, has significant implications for the overall project or outcome. Instead, opt for more neutral terms like "component" or "element" to avoid downplaying its importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small job" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object or complement in a sentence, describing the nature or scope of work being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small job" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a task or piece of work that is limited in scope, complexity, or importance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, wiki articles, formal business documents, and even scientific publications. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of communication styles. When using "small job", ensure that the task is indeed minor and that the phrase doesn't inadvertently downplay its potential impact on a larger project. Consider alternatives like "minor task" or "simple assignment" depending on the context to convey the same meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor task

Replaces "job" with "task", emphasizing the limited scope of the work.

little undertaking

Substitutes "job" with "undertaking", highlighting the act of starting something small.

simple assignment

Replaces "job" with "assignment", suggesting a task that is given to someone.

easy chore

Uses "chore" instead of "job", implying a routine or domestic task that is not difficult.

light duty

Replaces "job" with "duty", focusing on the ease and lack of burden associated with the task.

small responsibility

Emphasizes the limited nature of the obligation or duty.

minor project

Replaces "job" with "project", suggesting a planned endeavor of small scale.

brief stint

Highlights the short duration or period of the work.

insignificant role

Focuses on the lack of importance or impact of the job.

trivial occupation

Uses "occupation" to denote the activity, emphasizing its lack of significance.

FAQs

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

You can use "small job" to describe a task that is not particularly difficult or time-consuming. For example, "It was just a "small job", taking only an hour to complete."

What are some alternatives to saying "small job"?

Alternatives include "minor task", "little undertaking", or "simple assignment", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a small job" or "small job"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a small job" is more common and natural, especially when referring to a specific instance of a small task.

What is the difference between "small job" and "small business"?

"Small job" refers to a limited task or piece of work, while "small business" refers to a company or enterprise of a limited scale. They relate to different concepts: one describes the size of work, and the other describes the size of a company.