Cool MateGood job vs Good work
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Good job
InformalTop 1,000 (very common)
Good work
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Good workMost common: Good job
| Good job | Good work | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɡʊd dʒɒb//🇺🇸 //ɡʊd dʒɑb// | 🇬🇧 //ɡʊd wɜːk//🇺🇸 //ɡʊd wɜrk// |
| Meaning | Well done! | A positive comment about someone's effort or results. |
| Example | You finished the project ahead of schedule—good job! | You did a good work on your presentation today! |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | good job on, good job at, give a good job, say good job, receive a good job | good work environment, good work ethic, good work habits |
| Common mistakes | Using with a negative tone, which confuses the meaning., Confusing with 'Good work' which may sound more professional., Not using in appropriate situations, like serious discussions. | Confused with 'good job' - 'good work' is more about quality of effort., Using it sarcastically without tone can lead to misunderstanding. |
| Usage notes | Use in casual conversations to compliment someone's effort or work. Avoid in formal contexts, like presentations. | Use 'good work' to praise someone in both formal and informal situations. Avoid it in very casual settings where humor might be more appropriate. |
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Frequently asked questions: Good job vs Good work
What's the difference between Good job and Good work?
Good job: Well done! Good work: A positive comment about someone's effort or results.
Which is more formal: Good job and Good work?
Good work is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Good job and Good work?
Good job is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Good job: You finished the project ahead of schedule—good job! Good work: You did a good work on your presentation today!
Can I use Good job and Good work interchangeably?
Not always. Good job and Good work are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.