work of love

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work of love" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is done with great care and affection, often without expecting any financial reward. Example: "The community garden was truly a work of love, as everyone contributed their time and effort to make it flourish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

How do you keep loving and putting your heart into the work of love?

Huffington Post

Parenthood is a sacred work of love.

The Washington Post

"It was a work of love," he said.

The New York Times

It was, for Mr. Werdyger, a work of love and zeal.

The New York Times

It's a work of love, and arouses strong loyalty among the shop's customers.

The Guardian - Books

This book is an extraordinary work of love and art, which left me choked with tears.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

At the core of loving partnership, there's the work of loving ourselves.

Huffington Post

Under the glow of those lights not four days reignited, the person I loved was starting the work of loving someone new.

The New York Times

That is the work of loving this un-doctored me, just as she is.

Huffington Post

He instead challenged them to do the hard work of loving.

Huffington Post

Our grandparents knew how to love because they were there in the water, doing the work of loving.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work of love" to describe projects where dedication and care are more significant than financial gain. This highlights the intrinsic value and emotional investment.

Common error

Avoid using "work of love" when the primary motivation is financial or professional advancement. This can diminish the genuine sentiment associated with the phrase and appear insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work of love" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object to describe an activity or project. It is used to characterize the nature of the work, emphasizing the deep care and affection involved as highlighted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

22%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work of love" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe tasks fueled by passion and dedication, rather than monetary reward. Ludwig's analysis confirms its neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, from news articles to academic papers. While often interchangeable with ""labor of love"" and ""passion project"", it's crucial to ensure its usage aligns with genuine motivation to avoid insincerity. As Ludwig shows, this phrase resonates strongly when highlighting intrinsic value and emotional investment in an activity, solidifying its place in describing endeavors driven by the heart.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

labor of love

This phrase is a direct synonym, emphasizing the effort and dedication put into a project.

act of love

This alternative focuses on the loving intention and action behind the effort.

passion project

Highlights the personal enthusiasm and passion driving the work.

selfless dedication

Emphasizes the sacrifice and commitment without expecting personal gain.

devoted effort

Focuses on the dedicated and concentrated energy invested.

inspired creation

Highlights the creative and motivational source of the work.

zealous undertaking

Shows enthusiasm and energy.

arduous devotion

Emphasizes the difficult but dedicated nature of the task.

loving endeavor

Highlights the loving approach towards the task.

caring pursuit

Focuses on the empathetic approach and dedication in the task.

FAQs

What does the expression "work of love" mean?

A "work of love" describes a task or project undertaken with significant passion, care, and dedication, often without expectation of substantial financial reward. It emphasizes the emotional investment and intrinsic value derived from the activity.

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

You might say, "Restoring the vintage car was a real "labor of love"," indicating the extensive effort and passion invested in the project.

What are some alternatives to saying "work of love"?

Alternatives include "labor of love", "passion project", or "devoted effort". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "work of love" a formal or informal expression?

"Work of love" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, it may not be appropriate for highly formal or technical writing.