Job vs Work: Countable Noun, Uncountable Noun, and Verb

Job and work are related, but they behave differently in a sentence. Decide whether you mean a specific position, work in general or the action of working.

Job: a specific position

Job is countable: a job, two jobs, many jobs.

• She has a new job.
• I’m applying for three jobs.

Work: activity or responsibilities

As a noun, work is normally uncountable when it means tasks or professional activity.

• I have a lot of work today.
• She is looking for work.

We do not normally say a work or many works for everyday tasks.

Work is also a verb

• I work for an international company.
• She works from home.

Work for, at and as

work for a company; work at a place; work as a profession or role.

Common mistakes

I have many works today. → I have a lot of work today.

I’m looking for a work. → I’m looking for work. / I’m looking for a job.

Practice

1. She’s looking for a new ___.
2. I have too much ___ to finish.
3. He ___ as an accountant.
4. How many ___ did you apply for?

Answers: 1. job; 2. work; 3. works; 4. jobs.