working part time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working part time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a job or employment situation where an individual works fewer hours than a full-time position, typically less than 35-40 hours per week. Example: "She enjoys working part time because it allows her to balance her studies and work life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

His daughter, 22, is working part time.

The New York Times

Then maybe you're working part time or consulting.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is working part time at a family farm.

The New York Times

She shifted a few years ago to working part time.

The New York Times

She is now working part time as a receptionist.

The New York Times

Others may be working part time in the black economy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

More were working part-time.

The Economist

Those remaining are working part-time.

The Economist

Yes, some people are working part-time.

The Washington Post

He spent some time working part-time at Harrods.

Independent

Just 3.8% of prime aged men were working part-time.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's employment status, be specific about the number of hours "working part time" to provide clarity, especially when comparing it to full-time work or other arrangements.

Common error

While often true, assuming "working part time" automatically equates to significantly lower pay can be misleading. Some specialized part-time roles can offer competitive hourly rates, potentially offsetting the reduced hours.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working part time" functions as a participial phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to describe the type of employment someone has. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "working part time" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an employment situation involving fewer hours than a full-time position. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and academic texts. While the phrase is generally neutral, its specific implications can vary depending on the context. Factors like hourly pay, benefits, and the nature of the work itself can influence the overall impact of "working part time" on an individual's life and career.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

part-time employment

Focuses on the employment status rather than the activity of working.

working reduced hours

Emphasizes the reduction in working hours compared to full-time.

employed part-time

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the state of being employed.

part-time job

Focuses on the job itself rather than the act of working.

freelancing

Implies working independently on a project basis, often part-time.

temporary work

Suggests a short-term engagement, which can also be part-time.

flexible hours

Highlights the flexibility of the work schedule, often associated with part-time work.

casual employment

Indicates a non-permanent work arrangement, potentially part-time.

job sharing

Two people share the responsibilities of one full-time position.

moonlighting

Having a second job, often part-time, in addition to a full-time job.

FAQs

What does "working part time" mean?

The expression "working part time" describes a situation where a person is employed but works fewer hours than a full-time employee. This typically involves working less than 35-40 hours per week.

What are some alternatives to saying "working part time"?

Alternatives include "part-time employment", "employed part-time", or "working reduced hours", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it grammatically correct to say "working part time"?

Yes, "working part time" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples from reliable sources.

What are the benefits of "working part time"?

The benefits of "working part-time" can include greater flexibility, a better work-life balance, and the opportunity to pursue other interests or responsibilities. However, it may also mean lower pay and fewer benefits compared to full-time employment.