volunteering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "volunteering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of offering one's time and services for free, typically for a charitable cause or community service. Example: "She spends her weekends volunteering at the local animal shelter, helping to care for abandoned pets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Getting more energy from renewables; increased energy efficiency; reducing the income gap; putting more reliable, durable products on the market (have you heard of planned obsolescence?); volunteering more for your community; preserving wetlands, forests, and farmland; shorter commutes and transport routes.

The Guardian

He's already volunteering and helping out at the gym when he can," said Noi, adding that Daodu was easily good enough to box professionally.

The Guardian

Prior to this, Reed worked as head of volunteering at St John's Ambulance, initially volunteering as a front-line ambulance crew and first aid trainer before managing volunteers for a range of charities.

The Guardian

"She needs to try and convince us she's not just the anointed one," said John Sprole, a 66-year-old attorney who was volunteering at a Democratic awards dinner in Polk County on Friday.

The Guardian

Two years ago, I began volunteering with Chreaa, interviewing prisoners and drafting bail applications for homicide remandees who had been unlawfully imprisoned for many years, still waiting for a trial date.

The Guardian

"We are also not paid, the community chips in with some upkeep money but we are volunteering for the most part".

The Guardian

The study, for the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), found the role of most interest to people was volunteering in shops or cafes, with 40% saying they would consider such work.

The Guardian

So whatever job you want to get into, volunteering can always be a helpful boost to your CV.

The Guardian

UK tech entrepreneurs are calling for tax breaks in return for volunteering to teach code, along with creating a legal framework for bitcoin and more investment for teachers grappling with the new computing curriculum - all part of an ambitious tech manifesto launched on Wednesday.

The Guardian - Tech

These figures, for 2013-14, were down slightly on 2012-13 (29% and 44% respectively), calling into question the Tory manifesto claim that "volunteering is now at a 10-year high", but they remained up on figures for 2009-10 drawn from the Cabinet Office's former citizenship survey.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But what I do know is that volunteering is big business, and those who choose to volunteer shouldn't be condemned for the sins of the industry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your experience with "volunteering", be specific about the skills you developed and the impact you made. Use action verbs to showcase your contributions.

Common error

Don't simply state that you were "volunteering". Instead, detail what you did, whom you helped, and what you achieved. Quantify your impact whenever possible.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "volunteering" is as a gerund or present participle, acting as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, supporting its grammatical versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "volunteering" is a versatile term frequently used to describe the act of offering services or time freely. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across various contexts, primarily in news, business, and scientific domains. To enhance clarity in writing, be specific about the skills developed and the impact made during your "volunteering" experiences. Remember that alternative phrases like "offering services" or "donating time" can be used depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offering services

Focuses on the act of providing a service without compensation.

doing charity work

Specifically implies involvement in charitable activities.

donating time

Emphasizes the contribution of one's time.

providing pro bono assistance

Suggests professional services offered without charge.

aiding without pay

Highlights the lack of financial compensation.

giving freely

Implies an act of selfless contribution.

assisting voluntarily

Emphasizes the voluntary nature of the assistance.

participating in community service

Highlights the contribution to the local community.

lending a hand

An informal way of saying helping or assisting.

working without remuneration

Formally states that work is done without payment.

FAQs

How can "volunteering" enhance my career prospects?

"Volunteering" demonstrates valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, making you a more attractive candidate to employers. It also expands your network and provides practical experience.

What are some alternatives to using the word "volunteering"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "offering services", "doing charity work", or "donating time".

Is "volunteering" considered a formal or informal term?

"Volunteering" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific phrasing around it can influence the overall tone.

What are the benefits of "volunteering"?

"Volunteering" offers numerous benefits, including personal growth, skill development, community contribution, and improved mental well-being. It can also lead to new relationships and a sense of purpose.