vocation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "vocation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone's job, career, or occupation. For example, "She was devoted to her vocation as a nurse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And when each of the four did talk about it, there was the sense in every case that the desire to be understood, in a sea of misunderstanding, was the impulse that led them to pursue their vocation in the first place.

The Guardian

The original move to St Ives was more like a desperate evacuation, and for many years afterwards Hepworth fought for the time and space to pursue her vocation.

The Guardian - Arts

This has produced a growing number of young, professional community organisers for whom supporting citizens' alliances is a vocation.

The Guardian

After a brief stint in surgery, he discovered his true vocation in A&E and paediatrics.

The Guardian

At this stage Courtois had still not found his true vocation and was playing as a left-back for Genk's youth team.

The Guardian - Sport

Have you ever thought about changing your vocation?" BS: "Presently, I think policing is still satisfactory, I am satisfied with my job".

The Guardian

Instead of limiting access to education in order to keep such jobs the exclusive domain of the upper classes (a practice America had recently begun to justify by means of a controversial new idea called "intelligence tests"), Lippmann argued that Americans must decide that skilled labour was a proper vocation for educated people.

The Guardian - Books

It draws upon ideas of virtue and vocation in the economy that are out of fashion, but necessary for our country as we defend ourselves from a repetition of the vices that led to the financial crash and its subsequent debt and deficit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since then, royal heirs – and most particularly spares – have continued to find a vocation in the army, navy and airforce.

The Guardian

He describes the queen and her strong sense of vocation, as a monarch "God-called" to give her life to her people as a sacrifice.

The Economist

Known as the "soldiers of Christ" after the military bearing of their founder (who discovered his vocation, it is claimed, after reading a book on the lives of the saints in a hospital when recovering from war wounds) the order emphasises education, particularly their belief in the importance of learning languages, and the need for missionary evangelism in the life of a priest.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vocation" when you want to emphasize a sense of calling, dedication, or suitability for a particular profession, rather than just a job.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "vocation", which refers to a calling or profession, with "vacation", which refers to a period of rest and recreation.

Linguistic Context

The word "vocation" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a calling, occupation, or career to which someone is strongly drawn. It often implies a sense of purpose and dedication, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vocation" is a versatile noun denoting a calling or occupation, frequently appearing in news and media, formal business settings, and academic discourse. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and widely applicable when emphasizing dedication and purpose in one's professional life. While synonyms like "career" and "occupation" exist, "vocation" carries a stronger connotation of personal fulfillment and suitability. Remember not to confuse it with "vacation" and to employ it when highlighting the significance behind someone's work. This term shows dedication to a specific "calling".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calling

Emphasizes the feeling of being drawn to a particular profession or activity.

occupation

A more general term for the work a person does.

career

Focuses on the long-term professional path a person takes.

profession

Highlights the specialized knowledge or skills required for a job.

line of work

A simple way to refer to someone's job.

field of expertise

Highlights the specific area in which someone is skilled.

area of specialization

Similar to "field of expertise", but more formal.

life's work

Emphasizes the dedication and commitment to a particular activity.

sense of purpose

Highlights the feeling of meaning and direction derived from one's activities.

chosen career path

Highlights a deliberate choice of profession

FAQs

How can I use "vocation" in a sentence?

You can use "vocation" to describe a calling or occupation for which someone is particularly suited. For example, "She found her "calling" in medicine and dedicated her life to it."

What words can I use instead of "vocation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "career", "occupation", "calling", or "profession".

What is the difference between "vocation" and "job"?

"Vocation" implies a strong feeling of suitability and dedication to a particular occupation, while "job" is a more general term for any work done for pay. A "job" may simply be a way to earn a living, but a "vocation" is often seen as a "calling".

Is "vocation" a formal word?

"Vocation" is generally considered a formal word, often used in serious or reflective contexts, but can be used in general situations in place of occupation or job. It carries a stronger connotation of dedication and purpose than more neutral terms.