the labourer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the labourer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who works, especially in manual or physical labor, often in contexts related to employment, economics, or social discussions. Example: "The labourer plays a crucial role in the construction industry, ensuring that projects are completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

They argued for universal suffrage, set up colleges and co-operatives, and laboured for the labourer.

Independent

Others expressed concerns about excessive forms of flexibility in labour, unfavourable for the labourer.

European Transport Research Review

Marxist theorists have long argued that alienation occurs when in this process the labourer loses control over his or her labour and therefore becomes a commodity.

Human Resources for Health

The freeing of the labourer from feudal and customary obligations created a free market in labour, with a pivotal role for a specific social type, the entrepreneur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The labourer is worthy of his hire.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nor was the labourer ever identified.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

As Mr Cai and his colleagues wrote presciently last year, the turn "enhances the labourers' right to speak in the labourer-employer negotiation because labourers can impose stress on employers through voting with [their] feet".

The Economist

"All the labourers around here are Muslims.

The Guardian

Their lives, if anything, are worse than the labourers'.

The Economist

The labourers of Mendota have rather fewer blessings.

The Guardian

Hamid went back to supervising the labourers in the paddy fields.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contemporary writing, consider whether "the worker" or "the employee" might be more accessible and less archaic for your audience. Modern readers may find those terms more relatable.

Common error

While "the labourer" is grammatically correct, using it excessively in modern contexts can make your writing sound stilted or overly formal. Opt for more contemporary terms like "the worker" or "the employee" unless you're aiming for a specific historical or theoretical effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the labourer" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically refers to an individual engaged in manual or physical work. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English, often found in discussions about employment or economics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the labourer" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase, particularly in contexts relating to news, encyclopedias, and scientific discussions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it refers to someone engaged in manual or physical labor. While broadly acceptable, it's crucial to be aware of alternative phrases such as "the worker" or "the employee", which may be more appropriate for modern contexts. Consider using "the labourer" when discussing historical or theoretical contexts, and be mindful of overuse to avoid sounding archaic. The sources confirm frequent usage in The Guardian, Encyclopedia Britannica and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the worker

Replaces 'labourer' with a more general term for someone who works.

the employee

Focuses on the employment relationship, suitable for formal contexts.

the manual worker

Specifies the type of labor performed, emphasizing physical work.

the blue-collar worker

Highlights a specific class of workers, often in industrial settings.

the working man

Emphasizes the gender and social role of the worker, typically male.

the wage earner

Focuses on the economic aspect of labor, highlighting income.

the operative

Refers to a worker operating machinery or equipment.

the hand

An older, somewhat impersonal term for a worker, especially in agriculture.

the toiler

Emphasizes the arduous nature of the work performed.

the jobholder

Focuses on the fact that someone holds a job, without specifying the type of work.

FAQs

How can I use "the labourer" in a sentence?

Use "the labourer" to refer to someone engaged in manual or physical work, especially when discussing historical, economic, or theoretical contexts. For example: "The industrial revolution significantly altered the working conditions of "the labourer"." You could also replace it by alternatives such as "the worker" or "the employee" depending on context.

What's the difference between "the labourer" and "the worker"?

"The labourer" often implies a more traditional or historical context, particularly relating to manual labor. "The worker" is a more general and contemporary term for anyone who is employed. In many modern contexts, "the worker" is a suitable and often preferred substitute.

When is it appropriate to use "the labourer" instead of "the employee"?

Use "the labourer" when you want to evoke a sense of traditional or manual labor, or when discussing economic or social theories that use this terminology. "The employee" is more appropriate in modern business or formal settings, focusing on the employment relationship. Also consider alternatives such as "the operative" or "the wage earner" depending on context.

What are some alternatives to "the labourer" to avoid sounding archaic?

To avoid sounding archaic, use alternatives like "the worker", "the employee", or "the manual worker". These terms are more commonly used in contemporary English and will make your writing more accessible.