while on assignments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while on assignments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is happening during the time someone is engaged in a specific task or duty. Example: "I often find myself learning new skills while on assignments in different locations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is a meditation on America, and Americans, and showcases the distinctive visual approach of Mr. Morris, who has managed to make highly personal photographs while on assignments.

The New York Times

Over the past 12 months, we have witnessed the disturbing rise in the kidnapping of journalists while on assignments within the northern provinces of Aleppo, Idlib and al-Raqqa as well as elsewhere in Syria.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The book's cover image of a Maine couple sitting on a rickety porch hitched to their trailer is one that Mr. Grace took while on assignment (with "the legendary" Times reporter, John Kifner).

The New York Times

Ms. Polk and Mr. Sullivan met in 1973 while on assignment in Tel Aviv, covering the Yom Kippur war.

The New York Times

His fourth wife, Mary Yates, was the widow of one of his best friends — his "Night Beat" producer, Ted Yates, who died in 1967 while on assignment for NBC News during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

The New York Times

I regret missing Wednesday evening's service, "Truth at all costs", at St Bride's Church to commemorate the 49 journalists and media workers who have died in this century while on assignment.

The Guardian

Although his name is strongly associated with his architectural work, Mr. Shulman talks just as fondly of a Thanksgiving portrait he took while on assignment for Farm Journal magazine in the 1980's.

The New York Times

Journalist Russell Shaw died last Friday in a hotel room in San Jose while on assignment.

TechCrunch

A new show at the Kunstforum Vienna reveals a selection of the 27,000 photographs he took while on assignment for the magazine, a five-year stint that served as an apprenticeship in crafting visual stories.

BBC

I try to be a minimalist when it comes to things to carry while traveling on assignment.

Huffington Post

In one global corporation an executive had committed suicide while on assignment overseas.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while on assignments" to clearly indicate that actions or events occur during a period dedicated to specific tasks or duties, especially in professional or journalistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "while on assignments" for general leisure travel or personal errands. The phrase is most appropriate when referring to structured work-related tasks or projects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while on assignments" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or circumstances under which an action occurs. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is appropriate for indicating concurrent actions during specific tasks.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "while on assignments" is used to indicate that something occurs during the period when someone is performing specific work-related tasks. Ludwig AI classifies this phrase as correct and usable, primarily within journalistic and professional contexts. Given its function as an adverbial phrase, it's effective for specifying the timing of events, as evidenced by examples from reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during assignments

Omits "while on" for a more concise phrasing.

during work trips

Replaces "assignments" with "work trips", specifying the context as business travel.

during field operations

Substitutes "assignments" with "field operations", implying work done outside of the office.

during business travels

Replaces "assignments" with "business travels", clarifying the professional nature of the journeys.

while performing duties

Replaces "on assignments" with a more general phrase about performing job-related tasks.

when carrying out tasks

Highlights the act of executing specific tasks instead of being on a broader assignment.

while deployed

Emphasizes a state of being stationed or sent out for duty, often in a military context.

during missions

Implies specific and focused tasks, often for military, scientific, or charitable purposes.

while working abroad

Specifies that assignments take place in foreign countries.

during remote work

Highlights work done outside a traditional office, which is the same as "on assignments" from the remote location.

FAQs

What does "while on assignments" mean?

The phrase "while on assignments" means during the time someone is working on specific tasks or projects, often away from their usual workplace.

How can I use "while on assignments" in a sentence?

You might say, "Journalists often face dangers "during field operations"" or "Photographers capture unique moments "during work trips"".

Is "while on assignments" formal or informal?

The phrase "while on assignments" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal and is suitable for professional and journalistic contexts.

What are some alternatives to "while on assignments"?

Alternatives include "during assignments", "during field operations", or "during work trips" depending on the context.