What does the phrasal verb “labour under” mean?

What are the definitions of “labour under”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To believe or be influenced by a mistaken idea or belief.

  Even after a decade, she still seems to labour under the illusion that she is Party leader.

• 2. To suffer from or be burdened by.

  Many countries labour under a huge burden of debt they cannot even begin to pay.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “labour under”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb labour under is to believe or be influenced by a mistaken idea or belief. It means that someone is acting based on incorrect information or assumptions.

What are the different verb forms of “labour under”?

Root Verb	labour under
Third Person Singular Present	labours under
Present Participle	labouring under
Simple Past	laboured under
Past Participle	laboured under

Example

Many people labour under the misconception that all fats are bad for health.

Example

He labours under the belief that he can do everything by himself.

Example

She is labouring under the illusion that she will be promoted soon.

Example

They laboured under the false impression that the project was easy.

Example

We have laboured under this misunderstanding for too long.

What kind of phrasal verb is “labour under”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“labour under” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She laboured under the illusion that she was the best candidate.

Example

The team laboured under the misconception that they had more time.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“labour under” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She laboured under the illusion that she was the best candidate.

Example

The team laboured under the misconception that they had more time.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “labour under”?

Labour under a burden

To suffer from or be burdened by something, such as a heavy workload, debt, or responsibility.

Example

The company is labouring under a massive debt that is affecting its growth.

Labour under a handicap

To struggle or work with a disadvantage or limitation.

Example

Despite labouring under a handicap, she managed to complete the race.

Labour under a delusion

To believe or be influenced by a false idea or belief.

Example

He laboured under the delusion that he could control everything in his life.

Good things to know

Does “labour under” have an informal or formal tone?

Labour under is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as academic writing or professional discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “labour under”?

Synonyms

• believe mistakenly
• suffer from
• be burdened by
• struggle with
• operate under
• be influenced by

Antonyms

• know the truth
• be aware of
• understand correctly
• be free from
• be unburdened by