Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person's occupation, profession, or career: "line of work" refers to the primary activity or job that a person engages in to earn a living. It describes the specific field, industry, or type of work someone is trained for and regularly performs.

Usage

• The term "line of work" is used to inquire about or describe someone's profession. It is a common and slightly formal alternative to words like "job" or "occupation."
• It is typically used in the structure: "in [someone's] line of work."

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to be in the same line of work": to have the same or a similar profession.
  • We get along well because we are in the same line of work.
• "the hazards/demands of the line of work": referring to the specific risks or requirements associated with a particular profession.
  • The hazards of his line of work require special insurance.

Variants and Related Words

• Line of business (noun phrase): a very similar phrase, often used interchangeably, though it can sometimes refer more specifically to a company's primary area of commercial activity.
  • Manufacturing is their main line of business.
• Vocation (noun): a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation, often with a sense of calling.
• Trade (noun): a skilled job, typically one requiring manual skills and special training.

Synonyms

• Occupation: a person's job or profession.
• Profession: a paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification.
• Career: an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person's life and with opportunities for progress.

Related Phrases

• Field of work: a very similar phrase emphasizing a specific area or discipline within employment.
  • Her field of work is biomedical research.

Noun

1. the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
   • he's not in my line of business