What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
labor
Example
The construction workers were engaged in hard labor all day. [labor: noun]
Example
She had to labor for hours before finally giving birth. [labor: verb]
toil
Example
The farmers toiled in the fields all day under the hot sun. [toiled: verb]
Example
He toiled away at his desk, trying to finish the project before the deadline. [toiled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Labor is more commonly used than toil in everyday language. Labor is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while toil is less common and has a more specific meaning.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between labor and toil?
Labor is more formal than toil. Labor is often used in professional or academic settings, while toil is more commonly used in casual conversations or informal writing.