stuck at work

USAGE SUMMARY

"stuck at work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express that you are unable to leave your job or workplace due to some reason. Example sentence: I wanted to go to the party, but I'm stuck at work and can't make it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

18 min: Are you stuck at work?

The Guardian - Sport

"Being dead is a lot like being stuck at work," she says.

The New York Times

So the kids are busy while mom and dad are stuck at work.

Stanford University

Richard Stanton says, "I'm in a very windy Sydney, stuck at work.

The Guardian - Sport

However, he was stuck at work and cornered by the fighting.

The Guardian

She had trouble scheduling an appointment because she kept getting stuck at work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

(A third founder, Kevin Pearce, was stuck at a work dinner).

The New Yorker

He was fired for embezzlement from his job with a grain merchant, and never stuck at real work thereafter.

The New York Times - Books

But incase you are stuck at, ugh, work we've embedded the livestream above.

TechCrunch

Sounds stupid, but you'll be thankful when others are stuck at home doing work on the last day of summer and you're free to sunbathe.

WikiHow

So there I was at work, stuck at 10 30 on a Friday with nothing.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stuck at work" to convey a sense of obligation or frustration related to being unable to leave your job. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "stuck at work" when simply stating you are currently working. The phrase implies an undesirable or unexpected delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stuck at work" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject (often 'I' or 'someone'). It describes a state of being unable to leave one's workplace, as illustrated by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stuck at work" is a common and grammatically correct way to express being unable to leave your job, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is frequently used in news and media, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, be mindful of its connotation of obligation or frustration, as misusing it can alter your intended message. Consider alternatives like "held up at the office" or "tied up at work" depending on the specific context. Ludwig examples confirm its widespread usage and clear understanding across various sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to leave work

Directly states the inability to go home or elsewhere from the job.

held up at the office

Focuses on the delay and inability to leave the office, similar to being stuck.

tied up at work

Suggests that the person is busy with tasks, making it difficult to leave.

detained at work

Emphasizes the involuntary aspect of being held at the workplace.

kept late at the office

Implies that the person is required to stay longer than usual.

held back at work

Highlights the obstruction preventing departure from work.

delayed at the job

Focuses on the delay that hinders leaving the workplace.

obligated to stay at work

Highlights the feeling of obligation to remain at work.

confined to work

Emphasizes the limitation of movement and freedom due to work.

indisposed at work

Highlights the inability to leave, possibly due to unforeseen circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "stuck at work" in a sentence?

You can use "stuck at work" to describe a situation where you're unable to leave your job due to obligations or unexpected delays. For example, "I'm "stuck at work" because of a last-minute project."

What's a more formal way to say "stuck at work"?

In a more formal context, you could say "I am "obligated to stay at work"" or "I am "detained at work"."

What does it mean to be "stuck at work"?

Being "stuck at work" means you are unable to leave your job, usually due to some kind of obligation, unexpected task, or delay. It often carries a negative connotation.

What can I say instead of "stuck at work"?

Alternatives include "held up at the office", "tied up at work", or "kept late at the office", depending on the specific context.