The word “employing” is often used to describe using a method, tool, or approach, but repeating it too often can make your writing feel overly formal or repetitive. Depending on your context, you can use alternatives like “using,” “applying,” or “utilizing.”
These expressions let you communicate the same idea with more variety—whether you’re writing academically, explaining a process, or describing professional practices—while keeping your language clear, natural, and engaging.
Defining ‘Employing’
The word “employing” is the present participle form of the verb “to employ,” which means to give work to someone and pay them for it. It implies a formal agreement or contract between an employer and an employee, where the employee provides services or labor in exchange for compensation.
“Employing” is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (the person or people being employed). It is often used in business, legal, and economic contexts.
Beyond its basic definition, “employing” also signifies utilizing something, such as a strategy, skill, or resource, to achieve a specific goal. However, in the context of this article, we will focus on its primary meaning related to providing employment.
Structural Breakdown of Employment Terms
Understanding the structure of sentences using employment-related terms can help you use them correctly and effectively. Most sentences involving “employing” or its alternatives follow a basic subject-verb-object (SVO) structure.
The subject is the employer, the verb is the employment term (e.g., “hire,” “recruit,” “appoint”), and the object is the employee.
For example:
- The company (subject) employs (verb) fifty people (object).
- We (subject) hired (verb) a new marketing manager (object).
Passive voice constructions are also common, where the employee becomes the subject:
- The new graduate (subject) was employed (verb) by a tech startup (prepositional phrase indicating the employer).
Understanding these structural elements allows for more precise and varied sentence construction when discussing employment.
Other Ways to Say Employing
There are various categories of words and phrases that can be used instead of “employing,” each with its own specific nuance and connotation. These can be categorized based on formality, voice (active or passive), and the specific context of the employment relationship.
Formal Terms
Formal terms are appropriate for professional settings, legal documents, and official communications. They convey a sense of seriousness and respect.
Examples include: “appoint,” “engage,” “retain,” “commission,” “enlist,” and “contract.”
Informal Terms
Informal terms are suitable for casual conversations, internal communications within a company, and situations where a less rigid tone is desired.
Examples include: “take on,” “bring on board,” “sign up,” and “put to work.”
Active Voice Terms
Active voice terms emphasize the action of the employer. They are direct and clear.
Examples include: “hire,” “recruit,” “select,” “appoint,” “onboard,” and “promote.”
Passive Voice Terms
Passive voice terms emphasize the employee and the fact that they are receiving employment. They can be useful when the employer is unknown or less important.
Examples include: “be employed,” “be hired,” “be recruited,” “be appointed,” and “be contracted.”
Examples of Alternatives to ‘Employing’
To illustrate the diverse range of alternatives to “employing,” let’s examine several examples categorized by their general usage, specific roles, industry relevance, and contractual implications. These tables will provide a contextual understanding of when and how to use these alternatives effectively.
General Terms
These terms can be used in a wide range of contexts to describe the act of giving someone a job.
The following table showcases various general terms that can be used as an alternative to ‘employing’
| Alternative | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Hire | The company decided to hire five new software engineers. |
| Recruit | We need to recruit more talent to fill the open positions. |
| Appoint | The board of directors appointed her as the new CEO. |
| Take on | We are planning to take on several interns this summer. |
| Engage | The firm decided to engage a consultant for the project. |
| Onboard | The HR department is responsible for onboarding new employees. |
| Contract | They contracted a local company to handle the landscaping. |
| Enlist | The organization enlisted volunteers to help with the event. |
| Secure | She managed to secure a position at a prestigious law firm. |
| Source | The company sourced temporary workers through an agency. |
| Add | They decided to add another member to the research team. |
| Staff | The hospital needs to staff the emergency room with qualified nurses. |
| Place | The agency helped place him in a suitable job. |
| Bring on board | We are excited to bring her on board as our new project manager. |
| Offer a position | The company decided to offer a position to the top candidate. |
| Give a job | They decided to give a job to the unemployed veteran. |
| Provide employment | The factory provides employment for many people in the town. |
| Put on the payroll | The new hires will be put on the payroll next week. |
| Add to the team | We are happy to add another talented individual to the team. |
| Enroll | The university enrolled her as a research assistant. |
| Nominate | The company nominated him as a candidate for the leadership program. |
| Designate | They designated her as the new head of the marketing department. |
| Select | The manager selected her for the project lead position. |
| Induct | The organization inducted him as a new member. |
Terms Specific to Roles
Certain terms are more appropriate when describing the employment of individuals in specific roles or positions.
The following table highlights alternatives that are specific to certain roles or positions within an organization.
| Alternative | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Appoint (to a position) | The governor appointed her to the Supreme Court. |
| Name (as) | The company named him as the new CFO. |
| Elect | The members elected him as the president of the club. |
| Promote | She was promoted to senior manager after her outstanding performance. |
| Assign | They assigned him to the project in the New York branch. |
| Delegate | The CEO delegated the task to his assistant. |
| Designate | They designated her as the lead researcher for the study. |
| Task | He was tasked with overseeing the entire operation. |
| Commission | The museum commissioned an artist to create a sculpture. |
| Induct | The society inducted her as an honorary member. |
| Install | They installed him as the head of the department. |
| Seat | She was seated on the board of directors. |
| Crown | The people crowned him as their king. |
| Ordain | The church ordained him as a priest. |
| Anoint | The king anointed him as his successor. |
| Invest | The university invested her with an honorary degree. |
| Enroll | They enrolled him as a student in the program. |
| Nominate | The party nominated her as their candidate for the election. |
| Select | The committee selected him as the recipient of the award. |
| Choose | They chose her as the leader of the team. |
| Prefer | The manager preferred him for the open position. |
Industry-Specific Terms
Different industries may use unique terms to describe the act of employing individuals, reflecting the specific nature of the work.
The following table provides examples of industry-specific terms that can replace ‘employing’ depending on the context.
| Alternative | Industry | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Cast | Entertainment | The director decided to cast her in the lead role. |
| Sign | Sports/Entertainment | The team is planning to sign a new forward. |
| Draft | Sports | The team decided to draft him in the first round. |
| Induct | Military/Organizations | They inducted the new recruits into the army. |
| Admit | Education | The university admitted her to the graduate program. |
| Ordain | Religion | The church ordained him as a priest. |
| Commission | Arts/Military | The city commissioned a new statue for the park. |
| Dispatch | Transportation/Emergency Services | They dispatched a driver to pick up the package. |
| Book | Entertainment (Music) | The venue booked the band for a series of shows. |
| Crew | Film/Television | They crewed the film with experienced professionals. |
| Staff | Healthcare/Hospitality | The hospital needed to staff the emergency room adequately. |
| Faculty | Education | The university faculty includes renowned professors. |
| Enroll | Education | The school enrolled new students for the fall semester. |
| Retain | Legal | The company decided to retain the lawyer for the case. |
| Secure | All | She managed to secure a position in the tech industry. |
Contractual Terms
These terms specifically relate to the act of hiring someone under a formal contract, either for a fixed period or on a project basis.
The table below shows contractual terms that can be used in place of ‘employing’.
| Alternative | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Contract | The company contracted a freelancer for the web design project. |
| Retain | The law firm retained her as a consultant. |
| Commission | The museum commissioned the artist to create a new exhibit. |
| Engage | They engaged a marketing agency to promote their product. |
| Subcontract | The main contractor subcontracted the electrical work to another company. |
| Outsource | The company decided to outsource its customer service operations. |
| Procure | The organization procured the services of a security firm. |
| Lease | They leased the services of a data analyst for six months. |
| Charter | The company chartered a consultant to lead the project. |
| Secure | The company secured their services for the duration of the project. |
| Procure the services of | The company decided to procure the services of a specialized consultant. |
Usage Rules for Employment Terms
Using alternatives to “employing” correctly requires understanding the subtle nuances of each word and the context in which it is appropriate. Here are some key rules to keep in mind:
Formal vs. Informal Contexts
As mentioned earlier, some terms are more formal than others. In formal settings, opt for words like “appoint,” “engage,” or “retain.” In informal settings, “take on” or “bring on board” may be more suitable.
For example, stating “The board of directors appointed Dr. Smith as the new head of research” is more formal than saying “We’re excited to bring Sarah on board as our marketing intern.”
Transitive and Intransitive Use
Most employment terms are transitive verbs and require a direct object. However, some can be used intransitively in specific contexts.
Transitive: The company hired five new employees.
Intransitive: She contracted with the company (here, “contracted” is used with a preposition and does not take a direct object in the same way).
Use with Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases can add specificity to the employment relationship. Common prepositions used with employment terms include “as,” “to,” “for,” and “by.”
Examples:
- She was appointed as the team leader.
- He was hired to manage the project.
- They were contracted for a period of six months.
- The consultant was engaged by the company.
Common Mistakes When Using Employment Terms
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes when using alternatives to “employing.” Here are some common errors to avoid:
- Incorrect: The company onboarded to five new employees.
Correct: The company onboarded five new employees. (Missing “to”) - Incorrect: They engaged to a consultant.
Correct: They engaged a consultant. (Incorrect preposition) - Incorrect: She was hired as for the position.
Correct: She was hired for the position. (Redundant use of “as”) - Incorrect: He was retained by doing the project.
Correct: He was retained to do the project. (Incorrect use of “by”)
Pay close attention to the correct prepositions and verb forms to avoid these errors.
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of alternatives to “employing,” complete the following exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate alternative to “employing” from the list provided: hire, recruit, appoint, contract, engage.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The company plans to __________ ten new sales representatives. | hire |
| 2. They decided to __________ a consultant for the marketing campaign. | engage |
| 3. The board of directors will __________ a new CEO next month. | appoint |
| 4. We need to __________ top talent from universities across the country. | recruit |
| 5. The organization __________ a freelance writer to create content for their website. | contract |
| 6. They decided to __________ a new project manager to oversee the construction. | hire |
| 7. The government will __________ a committee to investigate the issue. | appoint |
| 8. The company is looking to __________ skilled workers for the manufacturing plant. | recruit |
| 9. The startup decided to __________ a web developer on a project basis. | contract |
| 10. The museum plans to __________ an art curator to manage their collection. | engage |
Exercise 2: Sentence Rewriting
Rewrite the following sentences using a more sophisticated alternative to “employing.”
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. The company is employing more people this year than last year. | The company is hiring more people this year than last year. |
| 2. They are employing a new marketing manager. | They have appointed a new marketing manager. |
| 3. We are employing interns for the summer program. | We are taking on interns for the summer program. |
| 4. The organization is employing volunteers for the event. | The organization is enlisting volunteers for the event. |
| 5. The hospital is employing nurses to handle the patient load. | The hospital is staffing nurses to handle the patient load. |
| 6. The team is employing a new strategy to improve efficiency. | The team is implementing a new strategy to improve efficiency. |
| 7. We are employing local businesses to support the community. | We are engaging local businesses to support the community. |
| 8. The company is employing a consultant to analyze the market trends. | The company is contracting a consultant to analyze the market trends. |
| 9. They are employing seasonal workers during the holiday season. | They are hiring seasonal workers during the holiday season. |
| 10. The university is employing professors to teach the new courses. | The university is recruiting professors to teach the new courses. |
Exercise 3: Contextual Choice
Choose the best alternative to “employing” based on the context provided.
| Context | Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal job offer | The company decided to __________ her as the new CFO. | a) take on, b) appoint, c) bring on board | b) appoint |
| Hiring temporary staff | We need to __________ more workers for the summer season. | a) recruit, b) enlist, c) contract | a) recruit |
| Engaging a consultant | The firm decided to __________ a specialist for the project. | a) hire, b) engage, c) onboard | b) engage |
| Adding a new team member | We are excited to __________ Sarah to our team. | a) employ, b) bring on board, c) appoint | b) bring on board |
| Giving someone a specific task | He was __________ to lead the new initiative. | a) hired, b) tasked, c) contracted | b) tasked |
| A sports team signing a player | The team is planning to __________ a new striker. | a) hire, b) sign, c) recruit | b) sign |
| A director choosing actors | The director decided to __________ her for the lead role. | a) employ, b) cast, c) recruit | b) cast |
| Appointing to a governmental position | The president __________ her to the Supreme Court. | a) hired, b) appointed, c) took on | b) appointed |
| Engaging a freelancer | The company __________ a web designer for the project. | a) employed, b) contracted, c) recruited | b) contracted |
| Adding staff to a hospital unit | The hospital needed to __________ the emergency room with qualified doctors. | a) hire, b) staff, c) recruit | b) staff |
Advanced Topics in Employment Terminology
For advanced learners, it’s crucial to understand the more nuanced aspects of employment terminology, including legal implications, historical context, and cultural differences.
Legal Implications of Term Choice
The specific terms used to describe an employment relationship can have legal consequences. For example, using “independent contractor” instead of “employee” can affect tax obligations, liability, and benefits eligibility.
It is important to consult with legal professionals to ensure that the chosen terminology accurately reflects the nature of the employment relationship and complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Misclassifying employees can result in significant penalties.
Historical Context of Employment Terms
The meanings and connotations of employment terms have evolved over time. Understanding the historical context can provide insights into current usage.
For instance, the term “indentured servant” reflects a historical form of labor that is now largely illegal. Similarly, the shift from “servant” to “employee” reflects changing social attitudes towards labor.
Cultural Differences in Employment Terminology
Employment terminology can vary across cultures. What is considered an acceptable term in one culture may be inappropriate or even offensive in another.
For example, the term “helper” may be commonly used in some cultures to describe domestic workers, while in others it may be seen as demeaning. It is important to be sensitive to cultural differences when discussing employment relationships and to use terminology that is respectful and inclusive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about alternatives to “employing”:
- Q: Is “hire” always the best alternative to “employ”?
A: Not always. While “hire” is a common and versatile alternative, it may not be appropriate in all contexts. For instance, when appointing someone to a high-level position, “appoint” may be a more suitable choice. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. - Q: What’s the difference between “engage” and “employ”?
A: “Engage” often implies a more temporary or project-based relationship, while “employ” suggests a more permanent or ongoing arrangement. You might “engage” a consultant for a specific task, but “employ” a full-time employee. - Q: When should I use “take on” instead of “hire”?
A: “Take on” is generally more informal than “hire.” It’s suitable for internal communications or casual conversations, but “hire” is preferred in formal job offers or contracts. - Q: How can I avoid making mistakes when using these alternatives?
A: Pay close attention to the context and the specific meaning you want to convey. Review the usage rules and examples provided in this article, and practice using the terms in your own writing and speech. - Q: Are there any industry-specific terms I should be aware of?
A: Yes, certain industries have their own unique terminology. In the entertainment industry, you might “cast” an actor, while in sports, you might “sign” a player. Research the specific terminology used in your industry to ensure you’re using the most appropriate language. - Q: What is the difference between “recruit” and “hire”?
A: “Recruit” refers to the process of attracting and finding potential employees, while “hire” is the act of actually offering someone a job. You recruit candidates, and then you hire the best one. - Q: Is it always necessary to avoid the word “employing”?
A: No, not at all. “Employing” is a perfectly valid word. The goal is to expand your vocabulary so you can choose the most precise and effective word for each situation, avoiding repetition and adding nuance to your communication. - Q: How do I know if a term is formal or informal?
A: Consider the context in which you’re using the term. If you’re writing a legal document or speaking in a formal presentation, opt for more formal terms. If you’re chatting with colleagues or writing an internal email, informal terms may be more appropriate. When in doubt, err on the side of formality.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “employing” is a crucial step in expanding your English vocabulary and improving your communication skills. By understanding the nuances of different terms like “hire,” “recruit,” “appoint,” “engage,” and “contract,” you can express the concept of employment with greater precision and sophistication.
Remember to consider the context, formality, and specific meaning you want to convey when choosing the most appropriate alternative. Practice using these terms in your writing and speech to solidify your understanding and enhance your fluency.
By diversifying your vocabulary, you make your communication more engaging and effective. Continue to explore new words and phrases, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different options.
With practice and attention to detail, you can confidently use a wide range of employment terms to express yourself clearly and accurately.