the same line of work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the same line of work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a similar profession or type of job that someone is engaged in. Example: "After years in the same line of work, she decided to pursue a different career path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

After his retirement, he continued along the same line of work, spending his entire working career in the shoe industry, designing and marketing women's fashion shoes under the brand Imps and Cadets.

Wikipedia

Was he in the same line of work?

The Guardian

It was rare for migrants to remain in the same line of work as their brothers in the South.

Princeton University

Expenses incurred in the search for a new job in the same line of work are deductible.

The New York Times

Resty had to look after her younger siblings so she went into the same line of work.

The Guardian

She's awfully good at it, and you can't help admiring her skill, especially if you're in the same line of work.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Both of those towns were close enough to business centers that employees could step into the same lines of work," she said.

The New York Times

"In New Zealand," says Styron, "you can have more of an impact, enjoy a greater breadth of experience and just generally do your own thing". In terms of annual salary, she calculates she currently makes "at least" as much as she would have commanded at this point in her career if she had remained in the same line of research work in the United States - around $50,000£27,70000).

The Guardian

The issue is whether you can apply the same line of thinking and working practice to more highly-skilled jobs, where it actually could be a matter of life or death, as opposed to a longer wait for lunch.

BBC

I took a new job, but same line of work.

HuffPost

Counterpoint: She tried the same line of attack against Barack Obama, and she ended up working for him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing career transitions, use "the same line of work" to clearly indicate that the individual's new job is closely related to their previous role. This emphasizes continuity and relevant experience.

Common error

Avoid using excessively formal language when "the same line of work" is sufficient. More complex phrases can sound unnatural in everyday conversation. If you can say "the same line of work", avoid using "the identical vocation", especially in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the same line of work" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples show it's used to describe a similarity between different jobs or professions. It indicates that two or more individuals or entities are engaged in similar activities or have similar roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the same line of work" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that different jobs or professions share similar characteristics. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used in a variety of contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. When writing, it's best to use it in a neutral tone, ensuring that the context aligns with the desired level of formality. While there are alternative phrases, such as "similar profession" or "related occupation", each carries its own nuance. Understanding these subtleties helps ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the identical vocation

Indicates a precise replica of a professional occupation, where every aspect is equal.

similar profession

Focuses on the likeness of expertise and training between jobs.

a matching profession

Stresses the conformity of skills, knowledge, and responsibility.

comparable career

Highlights the similarity in the trajectory and advancement potential of a job.

related occupation

Emphasizes the shared aspects of activity or pursuit in a job.

equivalent job

Highlights that the level, pay and responsibilities are similar.

the same field

Broader, referring to the area of expertise rather than the specific job.

a like trade

A bit archaic, emphasizes skill and manual work but is more informal.

the same industry

Even broader, referring to the economic sector rather than the specific job.

a parallel career

Highlights a different career path that is similar.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the same line of work" to sound more specific?

To be more specific, consider using phrases like "similar profession" or "related occupation" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

What is a more formal alternative to "the same line of work"?

In formal contexts, you might use "matching profession" or "identical vocation" to convey a higher degree of precision.

How does "the same field" differ from "the same line of work"?

"The same field" is broader and refers to the general area of expertise, whereas "the same line of work" refers to a more specific type of job.

Is it appropriate to use "like trade" instead of "the same line of work"?

While "like trade" can be used, it has an archaic tone and is best reserved for informal contexts or when referring to manual labor.