while on the job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while on the job" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to actions or situations that occur during the time someone is working or performing their job duties. Example: "Employees are encouraged to take breaks while on the job to maintain productivity and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

This is one of the best reports to come along in a while on the job market for older Americans.

Huffington Post

"I might snooze once in a while on the job," he said.

The New York Times

And like all employees, contractors need to be amiable, collegial, and professional while on the job.

Science Magazine

But according to one of the actors, smoking weed while on the job is a habit only the characters share.

Huffington Post

As a rule, freaks don't drink while on the job.

The New York Times

Some artists are able to do their personal projects while on the job.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Formal education produces general human capital, while on-the-job training usually produces both types.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They tried to pick up business skills while on-the-job primarily through experiential learning.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

While on-the-job training enhances a worker's skills, it may also increase loyalty to the firm.

IZA Journal of Migration

They also tend to be small or insignificant for men and for programmes delivering basic education, while on-the-job training appears to perform best.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Clearly individual human capital can be accumulated through both formal and informal means, thus overeducation ignores skills acquired while on-the-job.

IZA Journal of Migration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. In formal documents, alternatives like "during working hours" or "in the course of employment" might be more appropriate than "while on the job".

Common error

Avoid using "while on the job" to describe activities that are merely related to the job but not directly performed during work hours. For example, networking events outside of work hours are not activities "while on the job".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while on the job" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the time or circumstances under which an action occurs. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its use to describe actions that occur during work hours.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

19%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while on the job" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to describe actions or events occurring during work hours. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to specify the timing and conditions of events related to employment. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure that its use accurately reflects actions performed during work duties, and that more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain written contexts. When in doubt, consider alternatives such as "during working hours" or "at work".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during working hours

Replaces "while on the job" with a more direct reference to the time frame of work.

during duty hours

Substitutes "job" with "duty", emphasizing the obligation or assigned tasks.

at work

A shorter and more general way of saying "while on the job".

in the course of employment

A more formal alternative emphasizing the legal or contractual aspect of work.

while performing duties

Focuses on the actions being carried out as part of the job.

on company time

Highlights that the action occurs during paid working hours.

during work

A simple and direct substitution for "while on the job".

in the workplace

Emphasizes the location where the work is being performed.

while at work

Similar to "at work", but retains the "while" to indicate simultaneity.

during employment

A broader term that refers to the entire period of employment, not just specific actions.

FAQs

How can I use "while on the job" in a sentence?

Use "while on the job" to describe actions or events that occur during work hours or when someone is performing their work duties. For example, "Employees are expected to maintain a professional demeanor "while on the job"".

What are some alternatives to saying "while on the job"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "during working hours", "at work", or "in the course of employment".

Is it acceptable to use "while on the job" in formal writing?

While "while on the job" is generally understood, it might be considered informal for certain contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "during working hours" or "in the course of employment".

What's the difference between "while on the job" and "at work"?

"At work" is a more general term that simply indicates someone is present at their workplace. "While on the job" specifically refers to actions or events happening concurrently with the performance of work duties.