10 Better Ways To Say “A Lot Of Work To Do”

While we often hear the phrase “a lot of work to do”, this is a very informal way of disclosing this information. Because of this, we may desire knowledge of a more professional phrase to utilize. Therefore, this article will be highlighting appropriate alternative phrases that we can use.

What Can I Say Instead Of “A Lot Of Work To Do”?

There are many applicable synonym phrases that we can use in place of our original. However, for the purposes of this article, we will be looking over the following phrases in particular:

  • An Abundance Of Work To Complete
  • Many Tasks To Be Accomplished
  • Various Jobs That Need To Be Finished
  • A Multitude of Tasks To Conclude
  • A Great Deal Of Work To Finish
  • A Substantial Amount Of Work To Complete
  • A Considerable Number Of Tasks To Conclude
  • An Ample Amount Of Work To Finish
  • A Copious Variety Of Tasks To Accomplish
  • A Large Number Of Jobs To Be Completed
Better Ways To Say “A Lot Of Work To Do”

The preferred version is “an abundance of work to complete”. This is because this phrase is more professional and formal to use, making it more applicable for a workplace or professional setting. It also still relays a consistent message to our original phrase.

An Abundance Of Work To Complete

When we say that we have “an abundance of work to complete”, we are openly claiming to be incredibly busy and more than likely, tied up, with our work. This is considered an appropriate and proper statement to use in this sort of situation.

We will now look over the following examples:

  • I have an abundance of work to complete today, so I would appreciate it if you could entertain yourself.
  • She had an abundance of work to complete, which was causing her an increasing amount of stress and worry.
  • He has an abundance of work to complete, so please give him the necessary time and privacy that he requires.

Many Tasks To Be Completed

When we say that we have “many tasks to be completed”, we are letting our audience know that we do have quite a bit to get done today. Because we have said this, people will often understand that we should not be bothered, unless absolutely required.

Here are a few examples that accurately highlight the use of this term:

  • Mrs. Brownlee has many tasks to be completed today, so I will be acting as your substitute teacher in her place.
  • Our manager has given me so much extra work and now I have too many tasks to be completed today. I am so stressed out!
  • Our team has many tasks to be completed, however, between the six of us it shouldn’t take us very long at all.

Various Jobs That Need To Be Finished

We say we have “various jobs that need to be finished”, we’re explaining that we have multiple jobs, or more than one to do. When something “needs to be finished”, it means that we must complete it in a given timeframe, generally by the end of the day, week, etc.

Some examples that use this specific phrase are:

  • She has various jobs that need to be finished by the end of the week, or she’ll be in big trouble with our boss.
  • Now, class, we all have various jobs that need to be finished, in order for us to clean up the classroom. So, let’s all get started!
  • I have various jobs that need to be finished by the end of the day, or I’ll more than likely be fired.

A Multitude Of Tasks To Conclude

When we are saying that there are “a multitude of tasks to conclude” we are using a very strong statement. We are leaving nothing to confusion or skepticism because we are openly claiming that there are many different jobs that need to be completed.

For further clarity, here are a few examples that use this statement in a sentence:

  • I have a multitude of tasks to conclude by 4:00 pm today and I’m genuinely not sure if I have enough time.
  • She had a multitude of tasks to conclude before her mother returned home the next morning. It would seem that she was going to have to pull an all-nighter.
  • We have a multitude of tasks to conclude before the baby arrives. The largest is the process of setting up the nursery – particularly, the crib.

A Great Deal Of Work To Finish

To say that we have a “great deal of work to finish”, is to inform someone of our tasks at hand and that we are under a time restraint. We can easily follow this statement up with information on when our “great deal of work” is to be finished.

Here are a few examples that showcase the use of this particular statement:

  • I have a great deal of work to finish, so if you all wouldn’t mind giving me some privacy, it would be very much appreciated.
  • He had a great deal of work to finish because he had procrastinated for the last few weeks.
  • My parents have a great deal of work to finish on their new home’s build, however, it is coming along very nicely.

A Substantial Amount Of Work To Complete

When we say that we have “a substantial amount of work to complete”, we are meaning to express that we have a very large amount of worth that we need to finish. We can also use the word “substantial” to emphasize the importance of the tasks or their necessity.

Some examples that we can look over that use this phrase are:

  • I have a substantial amount of work to complete and I’m not sure I have the capability to do it all myself.
  • There’s a substantial amount of work to complete around the house and I’m the only one attempting to get anything accomplished.
  • This company has a substantial amount of work to complete before the end of this quarter.

A Considerable Number Of Tasks To Conclude

When you choose to say that you have “a considerable number of tasks to conclude”, you’re usually attempting to get the point across that you don’t have any available free time. This is a polite and formal way of letting the folks around us know that we are busy.

We will now go over the following examples, that use this specific phrase:

  • Our manager has a considerable number of tasks to conclude today, so he asked that you direct all questions, comments or concerns to me.
  • I have a considerable number of tasks to conclude before I return to school on Monday.
  • She has a considerable number of tasks to conclude before she could even think about heading home.

An Ample Amount Of Work To Finish

Another excellent alternative phrase that we can use is “an ample amount of work to finish”. When we say this, we could be merely informing others of what we have to do or, we could use this as an opportunity to dole out tasks or ask for assistance.

For additional information, here are a few examples of this phrase:

  • We all have an ample amount of work to finish, so therefore, there should be much less talking going on in this classroom.
  • He had an ample amount of work to finish, with no help being offered whatsoever. This made him feel defeated and incredibly stressed.
  • When someone has an ample amount of work to finish, they may be a procrastinator or they may require assistance.

A Copious Variety Of Tasks To Accomplish

When we use the word “copious”, we are meaning to depict a large quantity. Therefore, to say that we have “a copious variety of tasks to accomplish”, is a professional way of saying that we have a lot of work to get done.

Here are some examples that show the appropriate use of this phrase:

  • I have a copious variety of tasks to accomplish, making it so I’m unsure of where to begin.
  • We have a copious variety of tasks to accomplish, so I would appreciate it if everyone could get started.
  • You have a copious variety of tasks to accomplish over the next month. I suggest starting with a familiar task and working towards the increasingly difficult variety.

A Large Number Of Jobs To Be Completed

The last alternative that we will look over is “a large number of jobs to be completed”. Therefore, when we say this particular phrase, we are letting our audience know that we are very busy because of the sheer number of jobs we have to get done.

Finally, we will go over our last few examples for this article:

  • You and your sister have a large number of jobs to be completed, so I think you ought to get a move on.
  • This team has a large number of jobs to be completed before we can even think about the tournament next month.
  • I have a large number of jobs to be completed because our boss just keeps piling them on me.

Is It “A Lot Of Work To Do” or “A Lot Of Work To Be Done”?

Both of the statements “a lot of work to do” and “a lot of work to be done” are applicable and appropriate terms to use when describing having an abundance of tasks. If it’s necessary to use the more formal option, we say “a lot of work to be done”.

Is It “Lot Of Work” or “Lots Of Work”?

According to Google Ngram Viewer, “lot of work” is, by far, the more popular option between these two statements. From the year 1800 to – the present day, there is not much use for the phrase “lots of work” and this graph openly displays that.

lot of work or lots of work

On the other hand, the phrase “lot of work” has become increasingly popular over time. While consistent in use with “lots of work” until the mid-1800s, after this timeframe, the use has steadily continued to rise.