while on work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while on work" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "while at work" or "while working." Example: "I often listen to music while at work to help me concentrate."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

We'll also be looking at how to use your existing knowledge and skills to the fullest while on work experience; because bringing something fresh and new to a company could give you an edge over other workies, as highlighted in our recent Q&A about breaking into music journalism, by deputy editor of Mixmag Duncan JA Dick.

The Guardian

To confuse matters, some people call themselves interns while on work experience.

The Guardian

For instance the incredible story of 21-year-old student Jo Armstead, who made a breakthrough in Cystic Fibrosis research while on work experience.

The Guardian

Lauren Phillips knew nothing about occupational therapy (OT) until she encountered the role first hand while on work experience at her local mental health trust.

The Guardian

She remembers, as a 17 year old, listening to a Barbara Castle press conference while on work experience at the House of Commons.

The Guardian

Runner up A whole week of fun, excitement and hobnobbing with the most talented of media types while on work experience at the Guardian awaits.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

After all, I conducted my campaign while carrying on working".

The New York Times

While on-call work scheduling may be less expensive, it is not without human costs.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

The five other lawyers are also moving, as is the support staff, including Mr. Swartz, the former Tyco chief financial officer, who is employed by the firm as a clerk while on work-release.

The New York Times

I saw it two weeks ago while on a work trip to Los Angeles.

The Guardian - Opinion

He escaped while on a work detail and hid in occupied Warsaw.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "while at work" or "while working" instead of "while on work" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "on" with "work" to indicate location or activity. "At" or the gerund form "working" are the standard and accepted prepositions in this context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while on work" functions as an adverbial phrase, intending to modify a verb by indicating when an action occurs. However, it's grammatically unconventional. Ludwig AI indicates that "while on work" is not correct in standard written English, suggesting "while at work" or "while working" instead.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "while on work" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI suggests that the accurate alternatives are "while at work" or "while working". While examples exist, they are not frequent and appear across various contexts like news and media, encyclopedias and wiki. To ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, it's best to use the recommended alternatives, especially in formal writing. The phrase aims to convey an action or situation occurring during work, but its non-standard nature detracts from its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while working

This phrase replaces the prepositional phrase "on work" with the present participle "working", creating a grammatically correct alternative.

while at work

This is the standard and most common correct alternative, using the preposition "at" to indicate location.

whilst at work

A more formal version of "while at work", using "whilst".

when working

This alternative uses a conditional conjunction to replace "while", emphasizing the condition of working.

during work hours

This alternative emphasizes the time frame in which the work is being done.

during a work assignment

This alternative is suitable when referring to a specific task or project.

during employment

This phrase is more formal and focuses on the period of being employed.

in the course of work

This alternative highlights the process or progression of working.

during one's work

This possessive construction highlights that the work belongs to someone.

as they worked

This alternative changes the phrase to indicate an action that occurred while they were working.

FAQs

Is "while on work" grammatically correct?

No, "while on work" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct alternatives are "while at work" or "while working".

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

"While on work" is not standard English. "While at work" is the correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that someone is doing something at their workplace.

When should I use "while working" instead of "while at work"?

Both phrases are similar. Use "while working" when you want to emphasize the action of doing work. Use "while at work" when you want to emphasize the location where the action is happening.

What are some alternatives to "while on work" in formal writing?

In formal writing, instead of the incorrect "while on work", consider using phrases like "during employment" or "in the course of work" for a more professional tone.