working on the house

USAGE SUMMARY

"working on the house" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a process of fixing, renovating, remodeling, or making improvements to a house. For example: "My family has been working on the house all summer, so it should be ready by the holiday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

While working on the house one day, Navidson discovers that it measures three quarters of an inch longer on the inside than on the outside.

The Guardian - Books

For example, Juan Montoya, one of the more than 30 decorators and decorative artists working on the house, furnished his ample second-floor room as a studio apartment with oversize couches, a large table and a daybed.

The New York Times

Once he began working on the house, he couldn't stop.

The New York Times

"Some of the funnest times I've ever had with Paul have been working on the house".

The New York Times

Fortunately, we had some builders working on the house at the time.

Independent

He'd be at the vet practice, then working on the house or sleeping.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

He and Fiona worked on the house.

The New Yorker

He worked on the house in Tahoe.

The Guardian - Tech

Mrs. Henderson worked on the house.

The New Yorker

Whichever members of the crew had worked on the house.

The New Yorker

Westermann worked on the house for a decade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing home projects, be specific about the type of work being done (e.g., "painting", "plumbing", "carpentry") to provide a clearer picture of the activities involved.

Common error

Avoid using "working on the house" when referring to a single, distinct task. Instead of saying "I'm working on the house", specify the task: "I'm painting the living room".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working on the house" functions as a verb phrase with a prepositional phrase, describing an ongoing activity related to maintaining, repairing, or improving a residential building. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "working on the house" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe activities related to home improvement, repair, or maintenance. Ludwig AI confirms its broad acceptability and frequent usage across various contexts. While versatile, it's often beneficial to specify the nature of the work for clarity. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, indicating its relevance to current events and everyday life. Alternatives like "renovating the house" or "repairing the house" may be more appropriate depending on the specific tasks being performed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

renovating the house

Focuses on the renovation aspect, implying a more extensive project than just general work.

remodeling the house

Highlights structural or design changes, suggesting a significant alteration of the house's layout or appearance.

repairing the house

Emphasizes fixing damages or deterioration, implying restoration to a previous condition.

doing home improvement

A broader term encompassing various projects aimed at enhancing the house's value or comfort.

maintaining the house

Focuses on ongoing upkeep and preventative measures to keep the house in good condition.

improving the house

Indicates making enhancements or upgrades, often for aesthetic or functional purposes.

building the house

Implies constructing or assembling a house, often from scratch or with major additions.

restoring the house

Highlights bringing the house back to its original state or a specific historical period.

fixing up the house

An informal term suggesting general repairs and improvements to make the house more presentable.

tinkering with the house

Suggests small, often experimental, adjustments or improvements done as a hobby or pastime.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "working on the house" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "renovating the property", "conducting home improvements", or "undertaking structural repairs" depending on the specific activities involved.

What's the difference between "working on the house" and "working in the house"?

"Working on the house" implies physical repairs, renovations, or improvements to the building, while "working in the house" refers to performing one's job or profession from a home office.

Is it correct to say "working at the house" instead of "working on the house"?

While "working at the house" isn't grammatically incorrect, it usually implies simply being present and working at that location. "Working on the house" specifically suggests performing construction, repairs, or improvements.

When should I use "working on the house" versus more specific terms like "renovating" or "repairing"?

Use "working on the house" when you want to broadly describe activities aimed at improving or maintaining a house. Use more specific terms like "renovating" or "repairing" when focusing on particular types of work.