work can wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work can wait" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that the task at hand can be delayed or postponed without causing any major issues or negative consequences. Example: "I know you have been working non-stop all week, but remember, work can wait. Take a break and spend some time with your family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

HuffPost

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The work can wait.

The Guardian - Sport

If this doesn't work, can wait until ship gets to Ambrose Lightship where she runs up her flags, and at night, he leaves it up to the other observer, at Sandy Hook.

The New Yorker

My work can wait.

HuffPost

More often than not, work can wait.

Huffington Post

"The work can wait," I thought to myself, "this is a moment that could change his life and maybe mine too".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Work and the outside world can wait.

HuffPost

The most expensive camera here — but why? Clever ideas that only sort of work: it can wait to take a shot when you're smiling, when there's no blur, or when your face enters the frame (instead of using the self-timer).

The New York Times - Tech

Whatever I'm working on can wait another 10 to 15 minutes without dire consequences.

BBC

We understand that it has been out for hours already, but whatever future-bass flip of "No Tellin'" you're currently working on can wait a few days.

Vice

My hours are 9 30 a.m. to 6 p.m. My employer has a habit of arriving at the office shortly before 6 p.m. and announcing, "No one leaves because we must all work tonight". The work almost always can wait until the following workday.

Los Angeles Times

Work, after all, can wait a few moments.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing burnout, remind yourself that "work can wait". Prioritize mental health and personal well-being.

Common error

Avoid using "work can wait" as an excuse for consistent procrastination. It's meant for situations where delaying tasks won't cause significant negative consequences, not as a general rule.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work can wait" primarily functions as a statement of permission or possibility. It suggests that delaying work is an acceptable action, particularly when other priorities exist. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

HuffPost

20%

The Guardian - Sport

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work can wait" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that communicates the idea that tasks can be postponed, especially when prioritizing well-being or other urgent matters. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability and highlights its purpose in relieving stress related to work demands. While versatile, avoid misinterpreting it as a blanket excuse for procrastination. Consider semantically similar alternatives such as ""tasks can be postponed"" or ""duties are not urgent"" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tasks can be postponed

Focuses on the postponement aspect of tasks.

duties are not urgent

Highlights the non-urgent nature of duties, implying they can wait.

responsibilities can be deferred

Emphasizes the act of delaying responsibilities.

it's okay to delay work

Directly states that delaying work is permissible.

labor can be put off

Replaces "work" with "labor" and uses the phrasal verb "put off".

the job is not pressing

Highlights that the job lacks urgency, thus it can wait.

the office can wait

Shift the semantic scope to the office environment.

business can be set aside

Uses 'business' to refer to work and 'set aside' to mean delay.

leave your work for later

Advises postponing your labor activities.

pause your duties

Suggests taking a break from working responsibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "work can wait" in a sentence?

You can use "work can wait" to suggest that tasks can be postponed due to other priorities. For example: "I know you're busy, but remember, "work can wait" if you need to take care of yourself."

What's a good alternative to saying "work can wait"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "tasks can be postponed", "duties are not urgent", or "responsibilities can be deferred".

When is it appropriate to say "work can wait"?

It's appropriate when the task is not urgent and delaying it won't have significant negative consequences. It's often used to prioritize personal well-being or family needs over work demands.

Is "work can wait" grammatically correct?

Yes, "work can wait" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English. It's a concise way to express that something is not immediately pressing.