Confusable words

job vs work: what's the difference?

job
noun
vs
work
noun
? ?

Job and work both relate to what you do to earn money, but one is countable and specific, and the other is a broader, uncountable idea.

Job

noun

Job is countable. It refers to a specific position or role you have.

  • She got a new job last month.
  • He's looking for a part-time job.

Work

noun

Work is usually uncountable. It refers to the general activity of doing tasks, whether or not it's a specific job.

  • I have a lot of work to do today.
  • She goes to work at 8am.

Side by side

job work
Countable? Yes, "a job," "two jobs" No, you don't say "a work"
Refers to A specific position or role The general activity or place of working
Simple test "I have a new job" names a position "I have work to do" describes tasks in general

Quick rule

Job is a specific, countable position. Work is the general, uncountable activity of doing tasks, or the place you go to do your job.

← See all confusable word pairs

Stop mixing them up.

Save both words to GoVocab and review them until they stick.

Download on the App Store