work in an office

Meaning

This phrase describes having a job where you do clerical, administrative, or professional work inside a building at a desk, rather than manual labor or working outdoors. People usually use this expression when talking about their daily routine, career path, or general work environment. It is a very common and neutral way to describe a typical professional job.

Examples

• I work in an office, so I sit at a computer all day.

  I work in an office, so I sit at a computer all day.

• She used to work in an office, but now she works from home.

  She used to work in an office, but now she works from home.

• Do you prefer to work in an office or work outdoors?

  Do you prefer to work in an office or work outdoors?

• Most of my friends work in an office in the city center.

  Most of my friends work in an office in the city center.

• He doesn't want to work in an office because he likes active jobs.

  He doesn't want to work in an office because he likes active jobs.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I work in office.

  ✓ I work in an office.

  In English, you must use the indefinite article 'an' before 'office' when speaking generally about this type of workplace.

• ✗ She works on an office.

  ✓ She works in an office.

  We use the preposition 'in' to show that you are inside a physical building. The preposition 'on' is incorrect in this context.

Related Expressions

Practice

• My sister prefers to ___ because she likes having a routine and seeing her colleagues every day.

  💡 Think about the physical location where professional desk jobs take place.

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  work in an office

• If you ___, you probably spend a lot of time sending emails and attending meetings.

  💡 The standard phrase for doing professional desk work inside a business building.

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  work in an office

• He decided to change careers because he didn't want to ___ anymore.

  💡 The opposite of working outside or traveling for a job.

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  work in an office