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 laboring under the hot sun all day. [laboring: present participle]
Example
She went into labor and gave birth to a healthy baby boy. [labor: noun]
work
Example
I have to work on my essay tonight to meet the deadline. [work: verb]
Example
He has been out of work for several months and is looking for a new job. [work: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Work is more commonly used than labor in everyday language. Work is a versatile term that can be used in a variety of contexts, from employment to household chores, while labor is more specific and often used in industrial or manual labor settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between labor and work?
Work is a more neutral and versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while labor is often associated with a more formal or technical tone, particularly in industrial or legal settings.
