work undone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work undone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to tasks or responsibilities that have not been completed or finished. Example: "The project was delayed due to the amount of work undone by the previous team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Substantively, it leaves much work undone.

The Washington Post

On a good day, they duplicate each other's efforts, leaving important work undone.

The New Yorker

As Mr Ballmer himself implies, he will leave a lot of work undone.

The Economist

He would not be the first Italian technocrat to see his work undone by feckless politicians.

The Economist

Of course, he was quick to apologise, but the damage was there, his good work undone.

The Guardian - Sport

Leaving the political work undone a third time around only risks yet another failure — and who knows how many more.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Important work sits undone.

Harvard Business Review

That work was undone by Mr. Morrison.

The New York Times

We cannot let that work be undone".

The New York Times

Much scientific work remains undone, the report said.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, critical initiatives stall, and important work goes undone.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work undone", ensure it's clear what specific tasks or projects are being referred to for clarity. Provide context to show the implications of the incomplete work.

Common error

Avoid using "work undone" without specifying the type of work. General references can make the statement vague and less impactful. Be specific about which tasks or projects are incomplete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work undone" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a sentence or clause, describing tasks or efforts that have not been completed. Ludwig provides examples where it indicates unfinished responsibilities or negated progress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "work undone" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies tasks or projects that have not been completed. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and offers various examples from reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist. While suitable for diverse contexts, it's often used in news and media, science, and wiki environments. To enhance clarity in writing, it's best to specify the tasks or projects referred to, avoiding overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "unfinished tasks" or "incomplete work" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfinished tasks

Focuses on the incomplete nature of specific tasks.

incomplete work

Highlights the lack of completion in a broader sense.

uncompleted projects

Emphasizes that entire projects remain uncompleted.

work left incomplete

Suggests a state of incompletion due to external factors or abandonment.

nullified efforts

Highlights the cancellation or negation of work already put in.

abortive attempts

Underscores the failure and termination of attempts to complete work.

tasks remaining

Focuses on the aspect of tasks that are still waiting to be done.

outstanding duties

Emphasizes pending or unfulfilled obligations.

labors in vain

Highlights the futility and fruitlessness of the work undertaken.

efforts wasted

Concentrates on the squandering of resources due to the work being left undone.

FAQs

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

You can use "work undone" to describe tasks, projects, or efforts that have not been completed or have been nullified. For example, "The project was delayed due to the amount of "work undone" by the previous team."

What are some alternatives to "work undone"?

Some alternatives to "work undone" include "unfinished tasks", "incomplete work", or "uncompleted projects". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "work undone" or "unfinished work"?

Both "work undone" and "unfinished work" are correct, but "unfinished work" is more common and may sound more natural in some contexts. "Work undone" often implies that previous progress has been negated or needs to be redone.

How does "work undone" differ from "work in progress"?

"Work undone" refers to tasks or projects that remain incomplete, while "work in progress" describes ongoing tasks that are currently being worked on. The former implies a lack of completion, whereas the latter indicates active effort.