What is employment? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of employment

employmentnoun

/ɪmˈplɔɪm(ə)nt//ɛmˈplɔɪm(ə)nt/
Definition & pronunciation of employment

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "employment." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to do it:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ɪmˈplɔːɪmənt/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down:

  • ɪm - Sounds like "im" as in "him" or "swim."
  • ˈplɔː - This is the tricky part! It's a long “aw” sound, like in “law” or “saw”. Think of it as holding that “aw” sound for a little longer than you might normally.
  • ɪmənt - This is similar to "im-ment" with a short "i" sound like in "bit."

Here's a more phonetic explanation for English speakers:

It sounds something like: "Im-PLOH-uh-ment"

Tips for getting it right:

  • The "pl" sound: Don’t pronounce it as "plum." The "p" is almost silent. It's a vowel sound blended with the "l."
  • The “aw” sound: Practice saying "law" and "saw" repeatedly, really emphasizing that long "aw" sound.
  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable (“plɔː”).

Resources to hear it:

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Usage and examples with the word employment in English

Let's break down how to use the word "employment" in English. It's a bit more formal than words like "job" or "work," and it has specific nuances.

1. Basic Definition:

  • Employment refers to the state of being employed; the act of having a job and being paid for your work. It's a broad term encompassing the entire relationship between an employer and an employee.

2. Common Usage – As a Noun:

  • "He secured employment at a large corporation." (He found a job.)
  • "The company offers excellent employment opportunities." (The company provides good jobs.)
  • "She is seeking new employment after losing her previous role." (She’s looking for a new job.)
  • "Employment laws protect workers' rights." (Laws related to jobs and employee treatment.)
  • "The unemployment rate is a key economic indicator." (It measures the number of people without employment.)

3. "Employment" vs. "Job”:

  • "Job" is a more casual term for a position or occupation. It’s what you do.

  • "Employment" refers to the agreement and relationship surrounding that job – the legal and contractual aspects.

    • Example: "I have a job as a teacher." vs. "I have employment as a teacher – I signed a contract and receive a salary."

4. Phrases Using “Employment”:

  • Employment contract: A legally binding agreement between an employer and employee.
  • Employment rights: The legal protections and entitlements given to employees.
  • Employment agency: A company that helps people find jobs.
  • Self-employment: Being your own boss and earning income from your work (e.g., freelance writer, small business owner). This isn’t traditional employment.
  • Job employment: (Less common, but you might see it). Sometimes used to emphasize the act of having a job.

5. Formal Contexts:

“Employment” is more frequently used in formal writing, legal documents, and business discussions. You’re more likely to hear “job” in everyday conversation.

6. Examples Demonstrating the Difference:

  • Casual Conversation: "I just got a job at a coffee shop."
  • Formal Report: “The report analyzes trends in employment within the manufacturing sector.”

Here's a table to summarize:

Word Formality Usage
Job Informal A specific position, occupation
Employment Formal The state of being employed; the relationship

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "employment" in different sentences?
  • Explain a specific aspect of "employment" in more detail (e.g., employment law, types of employment)?

Synonyms for the word employment

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