the work of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the work of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to describe the creative or productive efforts that someone has put into a task or piece of work. Example sentence: "I was impressed by the work of the sculptor - the detail on the statue was incredible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The work of Percival Everett.

The New Yorker

That's the work of art.

The New York Times

and the work of other scientists there.

The New Yorker

This is the work of our economy.

The New York Times

"It is the work of centuries".

The New York Times

It was the work of an artist.

The New Yorker

He loves "the work of making art".

The New Yorker

praised the work of amateur election monitors.

The New York Times

That was the work of brushtail possums.

The New Yorker

Or the work of Islamist extremists?

The Economist

They prioritize the work of art".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the work of", ensure clarity regarding who or what is responsible for the work being referenced. Precise attribution enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "the work of" in overly passive constructions that obscure the agent performing the action. Strive for direct and active language for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the work of" primarily functions as a noun phrase modifier. It serves to attribute an action, creation, or outcome to a specific agent or cause. Ludwig's examples highlight this function across various contexts, from artistic creations to natural phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the work of" is a versatile phrase used to attribute actions or creations to a specific source. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While generally neutral in tone, ensure clarity by specifying the agent responsible for the work and avoiding overly passive constructions. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively employ "the work of" to enhance clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the creation of

Focuses more specifically on the act of bringing something into existence, rather than the broader effort involved.

the product of

Highlights the result or outcome of an effort, rather than the process itself.

the labor of

Emphasizes the effort and exertion involved, often in a more physical or strenuous context.

the achievement of

Focuses on the successful completion of a task or goal.

the responsibility of

Indicates who is accountable for a particular task or duty.

the handiwork of

Highlights the skill and craftsmanship involved in creating something.

the undertaking of

Emphasizes the act of starting or engaging in a project or task.

the domain of

Indicates an area of expertise, study, or activity.

the effect of

Highlights the consequence or result caused by an action or entity.

the performance of

Emphasizes how a duty, task, or skill is carried out.

FAQs

How can I use "the work of" in a sentence?

Use "the work of" to attribute a creation, action or outcome to a specific person, group or force. For example, "The masterpiece is "the work of Picasso"" or "The flood was "the work of nature"".

What are some alternatives to "the work of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the creation of", "the product of", or "the achievement of" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "the work of art" or "a work of art"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "The work of art" refers to a specific piece of art that has already been mentioned or is understood in context, while "a work of art" refers to any single piece of art.

Can "the work of" be used to describe negative events?

Yes, it can. You can attribute negative outcomes or events to specific causes or agents using this phrase, such as "The damage was "the work of vandals"".