this is not work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is not work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something does not qualify as work or is not being productive. Example: "I understand that you enjoy this activity, but this is not work; we need to focus on our tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This is not work for nothing.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is not work for amateurs, or for professionals using their intuition or personal experiences.

Landscape and Urban Planning

"When a kid picks up one of my books it lets them understand straight away that this is not work".

The Guardian - Books

"I find it awful, this is not work, you don't set out to be in prostitution", says a Swedish psychologist Lisen Lindström, whom the commission met in Stockholm.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is not work about how images have served to dishonor human life — unfortunately we know that side of the story well.

Harvard University

"I like to keep busy, but she says, 'You're retired,' and I say, 'But this is not work for me, this is a hobby,' " he said, recounting a conversation with his wife.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Oh, this is not working either.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Independent observers say this is not working.

The Guardian

"This is not working, not at all," Mr. Hansen said.

The New York Times

"This is not working lower-income; definitely solid middle-class.

The New York Times

You need to say, 'This is not working, this is not working, we have done this and this, but need to build here.' It takes time".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarifying expectations, use "this is not work" to emphasize that an activity shouldn't be prioritized over assigned tasks.

Common error

Avoid assuming that if you enjoy an activity, it automatically qualifies as productive work. "This is not work" may apply even if the activity is fulfilling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is not work" functions as a declarative statement, typically used to express that a particular activity does not qualify as work, or is not contributing to a productive goal. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is not work" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to differentiate between unproductive activities and genuine labor. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness. While not exceedingly common, it finds use in various contexts, ranging from casual conversations to news articles and academic texts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about expectations and boundaries, distinguishing hobbies or unproductive activities from assigned tasks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this isn't a job

Uses a contraction and a different noun to convey the same idea.

this is not a job

Replaces the informal contraction with the full form.

this doesn't qualify as work

Emphasizes the lack of qualification for something being considered work.

this is not productive

Focuses on the lack of output or results.

this isn't real work

Highlights that it doesn't constitute real, meaningful work.

this activity is not work

Specifies that the activity does not constitute work.

this is merely a hobby

Indicates the activity is a pastime and not a job.

this is just a pastime

Suggests the activity is simply a way to pass time.

this is a leisure activity

Emphasizes the recreational aspect.

this is recreational, not work

Directly contrasts the activity with work.

FAQs

How can I use "this is not work" in a sentence?

You can use "this is not work" to express that an activity is not productive or does not qualify as a job. For example, "I enjoy playing video games, but "this is not work"; I need to focus on my studies".

What's a more informal way to say "this is not work"?

A more informal way to say "this is not work" is "this isn't work". This contraction is suitable for casual conversations.

What can I say instead of "this is not work" to emphasize it's a hobby?

To emphasize it's a hobby, you can say "this is just a hobby" or "this is merely a hobby".

When is it appropriate to use "this is not work"?

It's appropriate to use "this is not work" when you want to clarify that an activity, while possibly enjoyable or fulfilling, does not contribute to productive labor or assigned tasks.