What is employment? Pronunciation and usage in English

employment means . Learn how to pronounce and use employment through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of employment

employmentnoun

/ɪmˈplɔɪm(ə)nt//ɛmˈplɔɪm(ə)nt/
Definition & pronunciation of employment

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "employment." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to do it:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ɪmˈplɔːɪmənt/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down:

  • ɪm - Sounds like "im" as in "him" or "swim."
  • ˈplɔː - This is the tricky part! It's a long “aw” sound, like in “law” or “saw”. Think of it as holding that “aw” sound for a little longer than you might normally.
  • ɪmənt - This is similar to "im-ment" with a short "i" sound like in "bit."

Here's a more phonetic explanation for English speakers:

It sounds something like: "Im-PLOH-uh-ment"

Tips for getting it right:

  • The "pl" sound: Don’t pronounce it as "plum." The "p" is almost silent. It's a vowel sound blended with the "l."
  • The “aw” sound: Practice saying "law" and "saw" repeatedly, really emphasizing that long "aw" sound.
  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable (“plɔː”).

Resources to hear it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some more example sentences using the word "employment"?

Usage and examples with the word employment in English

Let's break down how to use the word "employment" in English. It's a bit more formal than words like "job" or "work," and it has specific nuances.

1. Basic Definition:

  • Employment refers to the state of being employed; the act of having a job and being paid for your work. It's a broad term encompassing the entire relationship between an employer and an employee.

2. Common Usage – As a Noun:

  • "He secured employment at a large corporation." (He found a job.)
  • "The company offers excellent employment opportunities." (The company provides good jobs.)
  • "She is seeking new employment after losing her previous role." (She’s looking for a new job.)
  • "Employment laws protect workers' rights." (Laws related to jobs and employee treatment.)
  • "The unemployment rate is a key economic indicator." (It measures the number of people without employment.)

3. "Employment" vs. "Job”:

  • "Job" is a more casual term for a position or occupation. It’s what you do.

  • "Employment" refers to the agreement and relationship surrounding that job – the legal and contractual aspects.

    • Example: "I have a job as a teacher." vs. "I have employment as a teacher – I signed a contract and receive a salary."

4. Phrases Using “Employment”:

  • Employment contract: A legally binding agreement between an employer and employee.
  • Employment rights: The legal protections and entitlements given to employees.
  • Employment agency: A company that helps people find jobs.
  • Self-employment: Being your own boss and earning income from your work (e.g., freelance writer, small business owner). This isn’t traditional employment.
  • Job employment: (Less common, but you might see it). Sometimes used to emphasize the act of having a job.

5. Formal Contexts:

“Employment” is more frequently used in formal writing, legal documents, and business discussions. You’re more likely to hear “job” in everyday conversation.

6. Examples Demonstrating the Difference:

  • Casual Conversation: "I just got a job at a coffee shop."
  • Formal Report: “The report analyzes trends in employment within the manufacturing sector.”

Here's a table to summarize:

Word Formality Usage
Job Informal A specific position, occupation
Employment Formal The state of being employed; the relationship

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "employment" in different sentences?
  • Explain a specific aspect of "employment" in more detail (e.g., employment law, types of employment)?

Synonyms for the word employment

Practice with vocabulary employment

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The government's new policies aim to stimulate job creation and increase overall ______ rates.
  2. Many recent graduates are struggling to find stable ______ in their chosen fields due to a competitive market.
  3. Her first full-time ______ after university was at a small tech startup.
  4. The company has announced a freeze on new ______ until the economic situation improves.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms can be used to describe the condition of having a paid job or the general availability of paid work? a) Vocation b) Occupation c) Employment d) Internship

  2. When discussing someone's work status, which of these terms correctly indicates they are currently working for a salary? a) In employment b) On sabbatical c) Unemployed d) Self-employed

  3. Which of the following can refer to the act of hiring someone or the state of being hired? a) Engagement b) Employment c) Placement d) Appointment

  4. Which of these terms typically refers to a person's entire working life or a series of connected jobs? a) Occupation b) Vocation c) Career d) Profession

  5. When a company is actively seeking and interviewing candidates for new roles, they are engaged in: a) Downsizing b) Recruitment c) Staffing d) Outsourcing

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Many people who recently graduated from college are finding it difficult to secure work. (Rewrite using "employment")
  2. The company hired a large number of new staff last quarter. (Rewrite using "employment" or related word forms)
  3. His full-time job requires him to travel frequently for client meetings. (Rewrite without using "employment", use a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. employment
  2. employment
  3. job
  4. hiring

Exercise 2:

  1. c) Employment
  2. a) In employment, d) Self-employed
  3. a) Engagement, b) Employment, d) Appointment
  4. c) Career
  5. b) Recruitment, c) Staffing

Exercise 3:

  1. Many recent college graduates are finding it difficult to secure employment.
  2. The company provided employment to a large number of new staff last quarter.
  3. His full-time profession requires him to travel frequently for client meetings.

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