Confusing Words
Job vs Work
A job is a specific position; work is the general activity or place.
Quick Answer
Use 'job' for a specific position or role; use 'work' for the activity or the place where you do it.
Core Difference
Job is a countable noun meaning a specific position or role; work is an uncountable noun meaning the activity or the place where you do that activity.
Simple Explanation
Job is a countable noun for a position, such as a teacher job or a part-time job. Work is usually uncountable when it means tasks or activity. Work can also mean the place where someone does their job, as in I am at work. In everyday English, do not say "a work" when you mean a job or tasks.
Word Details
job
noun
a specific position or role for which you get paid
work
noun
the activity of doing tasks, or the place where you do them
Examples
job
She found a new job as a nurse.
Specific position.
job
He has two jobs to support his family.
Countable.
job
I love my job because it's interesting.
Role.
work
I go to work by bus every day.
Place.
work
I have a lot of work to do today.
Activity, uncountable.
work
She is at work right now.
Location.
Practice Quiz
Choose one answer. Mistakes are saved for review.
1. She got a new ___ in a hospital.
2. I have a lot of ___ to do today.
3. My brother is looking for a ___.
4. He is at ___ now.
5. Teaching is a difficult ___.
Related Word Pairs
Make vs Do
Use make when you create, produce, or cause something. Use do for tasks, activities, work, and routines.
Study this pairLearn vs Study
Learn means to gain knowledge or skill; study means to spend time learning, often by reading or practicing.
Study this pairTravel vs Trip
Travel is the general activity of moving from place to place; a trip is a specific journey with a purpose.
Study this pair