work of living

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work of living" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the effort and activities involved in simply existing or maintaining one's life. Example: "The work of living can often feel overwhelming, as we juggle responsibilities and personal aspirations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

As a corollary to collecting only the work of living American artists, Mr. Neuberger never sold the work of a living artist.

The New York Times

"It's a work of living art".

The New York Times

Police work weirdly mimics the work of living with cancer.

The New York Times

And so began the work of living a life that, in an instant, had become unfamiliar.

The New York Times

She was also supportive of the work of living composers, creating roles in several world premieres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It appears that the work of living and loving realistically never ends.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Our Fathers" adopts the ambitious format of works of living history like "And the Band Played On" and "Common Ground".

The New York Times - Books

Nonesuch is particularly notable for the opinion-shaping impact of its high-profile releases, like its boxed sets of works of living composers.

The New York Times - Arts

The London Sinfonietta has been championing the works of living composers for more than four decades now, and Harrison Birtwistle's music has been ever-present throughout.

The Guardian - Music

What genes encode is the structures of proteins, which are the working machinery of living beings.

The New York Times

Over the years, Strait's temporary solution evolved into a permanent way of working, and of living: he stayed productive, and he stayed mum.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work of living" to add a layer of appreciation, respect, or acknowledgement for life, especially in situations of endurance or unexpected life changes.

Common error

While "work of living" can convey depth, avoid using it in contexts that are too casual or trivial, as it can come across as overly dramatic. Ensure the situation warrants such a weighty phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work of living" functions as a noun phrase. It describes the collective effort, activities, and challenges inherent in existing and maintaining one's life. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and appears in reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

25%

Huffington Post

9%

Less common in

The New Yorker

3%

BBC

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work of living" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression that describes the effort, challenges, and activities involved in maintaining one's life. Ludwig indicates that it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, though it's considered an uncommon phrase. While versatile, the term suits thoughtful, serious contexts more than casual ones, bestowing gravitas to discussions of life's persistence, endurance, and adaptations. Alternatives like "act of existing" or "business of life" offer varying degrees of similarity depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

business of life

Emphasizes the tasks and responsibilities that come with living.

task of being alive

Directly refers to existence as an assignment or responsibility.

act of existing

Focuses on the basic action of being alive rather than the effort involved.

daily grind of living

Highlights the repetitive and often tiring aspects of everyday life.

demands of life

Focuses on what life requires from an individual.

process of survival

Highlights the challenges and strategies needed to continue living.

art of living

Refers to skillfully navigating life's challenges and opportunities.

endeavor of being

More philosophical, suggesting a continuous striving inherent in existence.

struggle for existence

Focuses specifically on the hardships and competition in life.

chore of existence

Implies a tedious or unpleasant aspect of being alive.

FAQs

How can I use "work of living" in a sentence?

You can use "work of living" to describe the effort involved in everyday life, managing challenges, or pursuing goals. For example, "The "work of living" can be demanding, but also rewarding".

What phrases are similar to "work of living"?

Similar phrases include "act of existing", "business of life", or "endeavor of being". These alternatives capture different aspects of life's challenges and experiences.

Is "work of living" formal or informal?

The phrase "work of living" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for thoughtful reflection or serious discussion, but may sound out of place in very casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "work of living"?

It is appropriate to use "work of living" when discussing the persistent efforts, responsibilities, and challenges that constitute daily life, or when reflecting on the deeper meaning of existence.