What is job? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of job

jobnoun

/dʒɒb/
Definition & pronunciation of job

The word "job" in English is pronounced like this:

zōb

Here's a breakdown:

  • z: Like the "z" in "zebra"
  • ō: This is a long "o" sound, like in "boat" or "go". It's a slightly rounded vowel.
  • b: Like the "b" in "ball"

You can hear it clearly here: https://youglish.com/search/%22job%22 (This shows how native speakers say it in context)

Common mistakes:

  • "Jobe": This is a very common mistake! Don't do it!

Do you want me to break down other words, or would you like me to give you some other pronunciation tips?

Usage and examples with the word job in English

Let's break down how to use the word "job" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different uses. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Noun - The Primary Meaning: A Paid Position

  • Definition: The most common meaning of “job” is a position of employment where someone is paid to do work.
  • Examples:
    • "I have a job at a restaurant."
    • "She's looking for a new job."
    • "He lost his job during the recession."
    • "What kind of job are you interested in?"
    • "This job requires a lot of experience."

2. As a Noun - A Task or Piece of Work

  • Definition: “Job” can also refer to a specific task or piece of work, often a difficult or demanding one. This use implies a sense of effort and accomplishment.
  • Examples:
    • "I’ve got a big job to do tonight – I need to clean the whole house."
    • "Replacing the engine was a tough job."
    • "That’s a tricky job to master."
    • "It’s a demanding job, but I find it rewarding."

3. Informal Terms (Often Related to Jobs)

  • “The Gig”: (Informal) Refers to a temporary or freelance job, often in the creative or service industries. “I’m working the gig tonight at the music festival.”
  • “Side Hustle”: (Informal) A secondary job or business undertaken for extra income. “I have a side hustle selling handmade jewelry.”
  • “Work”: (Informal) Sometimes used in place of "job," particularly when talking about the act of employment. “I’m going to work now.”

4. Phrases Using "Job"

  • “To lose your job”: To be fired or made unemployed.
  • “To get a job”: To find employment.
  • “Job hunting”: The activity of searching for a job.
  • “Job description”: A detailed explanation of the duties and responsibilities of a job.
  • “Job interview”: A meeting to assess a candidate's suitability for a job.
  • “Job satisfaction”: The degree of fulfillment and happiness you get from your job.
  • “Job security”: The likelihood of keeping your job.

5. Grammatical Notes

  • Capitalization: "Job" is almost always lowercase unless it's the first word of a sentence or part of a proper name (like "Job" in The Grapes of Wrath).
  • Plural: The plural of “job” is “jobs.” "I have two jobs."

Tips for Using "Job" Correctly

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning of "job" is intended.
  • Be mindful of formality: "The gig" and "side hustle" are informal. "Job" is generally acceptable in most situations.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you trying to use “job” in a specific sentence or situation?
  • What kind of jobs are you interested in learning about (e.g., specific industries, types of roles)?

Synonyms for the word job

Idioms of the word job

asleep on the job | asleep at the wheel
not paying enough attention to what you need to do
  • They were asleep on the job as the financial crisis deepened.
  • Let's hope the regulators are not asleep at the wheel.
  • Somebody must have been asleep at the switch to allow this to happen.
between jobs
unemployed for a short time. People say ‘between jobs’ to avoid saying ‘unemployed’.
  • He's between jobs at the moment so he's using the time to do some voluntary work.
a devil of a job/time
(old-fashioned)a very difficult or unpleasant job or time
  • I've had a devil of a job finding you.
do a good, bad, etc. job (on something) | make a good, bad, etc. job of something
to do something well, badly, etc.
  • They did a very professional job.
  • You've certainly made an excellent job of the kitchen (= for example, painting it).
  • We haven’t done a very good job on the publicity for the show.
do the job
(informal)to be effective or successful in doing what you want
  • This extra strong glue should do the job.
  • Try wedging it open—that should do the job.
do somebody/yourself out of a job
(informal)to cause somebody/yourself to lose their/your job because the role is no longer required
  • Our aim as a charity is to help people so successfully that we do ourselves out of a job.
give somebody/something up as a bad job
(informal)to decide to stop trying to help somebody or to do something because there is no hope of success
    good job!
    (especially North American English, informal)used to tell somebody that they have done well at something
      a good job
      (informal)used to say that you are pleased about a situation or that somebody is lucky that something happened
      • It's a good job you were there to help.
      have a (hard/difficult) job doing/to do something
      to have difficulty doing something
      • You'll have a job convincing them that you're right.
      • He had a hard job to make himself heard.
      a job of work
      (British English, old-fashioned or formal)work that you are paid to do or that must be done
      • There was a job of work waiting for him that he was not looking forward to.
      jobs for the boys
      (British English, informal, disapproving)people use the expression jobs for the boys when they are criticizing the fact that somebody in power has given work to friends or relatives
        just the job
        (informal, approving)exactly what is needed in a particular situation
        • That cup of tea was just the job.
        make the best of something/it | make the best of things | make the best of a bad job
        to accept a bad or difficult situation and do as well as you can
          more than your job’s worth (to do something)
          (British English, informal)not worth doing because it is against the rules or because it might cause you to lose your job
          • It's more than my job's worth to let you in without a ticket.
          on the job
          while doing a particular job
          • No sleeping on the job!
          • on-the-job training
          (British English, slang)having sex
            walk off the job
            (North American English)to stop working in order to go on strike

              Practice with vocabulary job

              Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

              1. Finding a new ______ can be a challenging process in today's competitive market.
              2. He was assigned the difficult ______ of coordinating all external stakeholders before the project launch.
              3. Many students choose their ______ based on a combination of personal interest and future earning potential.
              4. Her primary ______ is to manage client relationships and ensure their long-term satisfaction.

              Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

              1. Which of the following terms typically refers to a paid position of regular employment? a) hobby b) chore c) occupation d) job
              2. If you are actively seeking employment opportunities, you are most likely looking for a new ______. a) expedition b) mission c) job d) post
              3. Which word best describes the specific duties and responsibilities one undertakes in a professional capacity? a) leisure b) task c) role d) job
              4. Which term is used to describe a long-term progression of one's professional life, often encompassing various positions and experiences? a) vocation b) assignment c) career d) project
              5. What word refers to the general effort or activity involved in achieving a goal, especially when remuneration is not the primary focus? a) labor b) chore c) work d) duty

              Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

              1. Her main responsibility at the company is overseeing the public relations department. (Rewrite using "job" or a related word form)
              2. The company is currently looking for suitable candidates to fill their open marketing specialist position. (Rewrite using "job" or a related word form)
              3. Successfully completing this assignment by the end of the week requires meticulous planning. (Rewrite without using "job")

              Answer

              Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

              1. job
              2. task
              3. career
              4. job

              Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

              1. c) occupation, d) job
              2. c) job, d) post
              3. c) role, d) job
              4. c) career
              5. c) work

              Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

              1. Her main job at the company is overseeing the public relations department.
              2. The company currently has a job opening for a marketing specialist.
              3. Successfully completing this task by the end of the week requires meticulous planning.

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