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Grammar fix

hard worker

diligent person

someone who puts a lot of effort into their work or studies and tries their best to do things well.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Maria is a hard worker—she always finishes her tasks on time and pays attention to every detail.work
  • In my opinion, being a hard worker is important because it shows you are reliable and can be trusted with responsibility.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: hard worker (noun, countable): be a hard worker; as a hard worker; hard worker in/at [something]

WrongHe is a hardworker.

RightHe is a hard worker.

Two words as a noun ('a hard worker'); one word 'hardworking' only as an adjective ('a hardworking person').

Patternhard worker (noun, countable): be a hard worker; as a hard worker; hard worker in/at [something]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff He is a highly industrious and diligent individual.

Natural He's a really hard worker.

'A hard worker' is the everyday compliment; 'industrious individual' is reference-letter language.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a hard worker
    reallysuch aknown asreliable

Don't confuse it

Don't confuse with 'work hard' (verb phrase) or 'hardworking' (adjective). 'Hard worker' is a noun.

Try it in Daily Speak →