my work ethic

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   my belief in working hard and doing my job carefully and responsibly

   Grammar: Used with a possessive adjective; the plural is 'work ethics' only when talking about different sets of values.

   Patterns

   • have a strong work ethic
   • my work ethic is...
   • admire someone's work ethic

   My work ethic comes from my parents, who both worked long hours.

   She praised my work ethic in the reference letter.

   If you want to succeed here, you need a strong work ethic.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   the way I regularly approach my work, especially how much effort I put in

   Grammar: Often described with adjectives like 'strong', 'poor', or 'good'.

   Patterns

   • a good work ethic
   • a poor work ethic
   • improve my work ethic

   His poor work ethic showed in the number of deadlines he missed.

   The manager said my work ethic had improved since the training.

Common combinations

a strong work ethic

Employers look for candidates with a strong work ethic.

have a good work ethic

She has a good work ethic and rarely takes breaks.

my work ethic

My work ethic was shaped by my first summer job.

admire someone's work ethic

I admire his work ethic; he never gives up.

Synonyms and how they differ

diligence

A more formal noun meaning careful, persistent effort; it focuses on the effort rather than the values behind it.

dedication

Emphasizes loyalty and commitment to a task or cause, not just hard work.

Opposites

Word family

work noun

Activity done to achieve a purpose, especially as a job.

ethic noun

A set of moral principles guiding behavior.

ethical adjective

Morally right or acceptable.

Commonly confused: my work ethic or work ethics?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “my work ethic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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