What are common job words in English?
Many people have different jobs. Here are some common words to describe what people do:
- A taxi driver drives a taxi to take people places. She is a taxi driver.
- A waiter or waitress serves food and drinks in a restaurant. He is a waiter at a nice restaurant.
- A shop assistant helps customers in a shop. She works as a shop assistant.
- An office worker works in an office, often at a desk. My brother is an office worker.
- A student studies at school or university. I am a student at Langcom.
- A receptionist greets visitors and answers phones, usually in an office or hotel. The receptionist is very friendly.
- A football player plays football professionally. He is a famous football player.
- A factory worker works in a factory, making things. My uncle is a factory worker.
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How do we talk about jobs?
When you want to say what someone does for work, you use the verb to be and the job word. Remember to use a or an before the job word.
- To say what you do: I am a student.
- To say what another person does: He is a taxi driver. or She is a shop assistant.
- To ask about someone's job: What do you do? or What is your job?
- To ask about another person's job: What does he do? or What is her job?
| Job Word | What they do |
|---|---|
| Taxi driver | Drives a taxi |
| Waiter / Waitress | Serves food and drinks |
| Shop assistant | Helps customers in a shop |
| Office worker | Works in an office |
| Student | Studies at school or university |
| Receptionist | Greets visitors, answers phones |
| Football player | Plays football professionally |
| Factory worker | Works in a factory |
Examples
- She is a taxi driver.
- He is a waiter at a nice restaurant.
- She works as a shop assistant.
- My brother is an office worker.
- I am a student at Langcom.
- The receptionist is very friendly.
- He is a famous football player.
- My uncle is a factory worker.
- What do you do?
- What is your job?
Practice
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Chat with an Advisor on WhatsAppCommon mistakes for Spanish speakers
Many Spanish speakers forget to use a or an before a job title. In English, it is necessary.
- Incorrect: I am student.
- Correct: I am a student.
- Incorrect: He is taxi driver.
- Correct: He is a taxi driver.
Also, while What is your job? is correct, What do you do? is a very common and natural way to ask about someone's profession.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 'job' and 'work'?
Job is a noun, like taxi driver or teacher. Work can be a noun (meaning the activity you do) or a verb (the action of doing a job). For example, My job is interesting. or I work in an office.
How do I ask someone what they do?
You can ask, What do you do? or What is your job? Both are correct and common for A1 level.
Do I always use 'a' or 'an' before a job word?
Yes, when you talk about one person's job, you almost always use a or an. For example, I am a student. or She is an office worker.
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