Part Time or Part-Time? Which Word is Correct?

Author:

Waqas Ashraf

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Part Time or Part-Time: When it comes to deciding between “part time” and “part-time,” the correct choice can sometimes be unclear.

In this article, we will explore the nuances of these terms and provide a simple answer to the question: Part Time or Part-Time? The answer may surprise you!

Table of Contents

Part Time or Part-Time:

Both “part time” and “part-time” are correct!

Part time is the most common way to write it, especially as an adjective.

Example: “I’m looking for a part-time job.”

Part-time is less common but still grammatically correct. It can be used as an adjective or an adverb.

Example (adjective): “He has a part-time teaching position.”

Example (adverb): “She works part-time at the library.”

Part Time Examples:

Here are some example sentences using “part-time” in different ways:

Adjective:

She works part-time as a barista while attending college. (Modifies “job” – describes the hours she works)

Adverb:

He only works part time during the summer months. (Modifies “works” – describes the timeframe for his work)

Noun (less common):

The local library is hiring for several part time positions. (Describes the “positions” – not preferred but acceptable)

Is Part Time Hyphenated:

“Part-time” is hyphenated when it acts as an adjective before the noun it modifies. This is the most common way it’s used.

Here’s an example:

I’m looking for a part-time job.

However, “part time” is not hyphenated when it functions in other ways:

As an adverb:

It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

Example: She works part time at the library.

Following the noun:

It comes after the noun it describes.

Example: The position is part time.

Full Time or Part Time:

Feature	Full-Time	Part-Time
Working Hours	Typically 30-40 hours per week (may vary depending on employer)	Less than 35 hours per week (no official federal definition, but most fall in this range)
Schedule	Consistent and regular schedule, often Monday-Friday with set hours	More flexible schedule, may include evenings, weekends, or variable hours
Benefits	Often eligible for health insurance, paid time off, and other employer-sponsored benefits	Less likely to receive benefits, although some employers offer prorated benefits for part-time employees
Job Security	Generally more stable and secure employment	May be less secure, with hours subject to change or potential for layoffs during slow periods
Salary	Typically higher overall salary due to more hours worked	Lower overall salary due to fewer hours worked, although hourly rate may be higher
Career Advancement	Often seen as a stepping stone to full-time positions with more responsibility	May offer limited opportunities for advancement, although some part-time jobs can lead to full-time roles
Example Jobs	Office manager, accountant, teacher, engineer	Retail salesperson, waiter/waitress, barista, dog walker, freelance writer

Is There a Hyphen Between Part-Time?

Yes, but only when “part-time” functions as an adjective placed before the noun it modifies.

Here’s a breakdown:

Hyphenated (adjective before a noun):

Example: She has a part-time job at a bookstore. (Here, “part-time” modifies “job” and describes its working hours.)

Not Hyphenated:

As an adverb: It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

Example: She works part time on weekends. (Here, “part time” modifies the verb “works” and describes the timeframe for her work)

Is Part Timer One Word or Two?

“Part timer” is typically written as two separate words.

Here’s why:

Function: “Part timer” acts as a noun phrase, describing someone who works part-time.
Compound Nouns: Compound nouns are typically written as one word when they become a single, established term (e.g., “mailbox,” “workshop”). However, “part timer” is not a widely recognized fixed term like these examples.

Clarity: Separating the words with a space enhances readability, especially for someone unfamiliar with the term.

How Do You Spell Full-Time and Part-Time?

Here’s how to spell “full-time” and “part-time”:

Full-time: This is spelled with a hyphen when used as an adjective before the noun it modifies.

Example: She works in a full-time position. (Here, “full-time” describes the nature of her work – it has a hyphen because it’s an adjective modifying “position”.)

Part-time: This is also spelled with a hyphen when used as an adjective before the noun it modifies.

Example: I’m looking for a part-time job. (Here, “part-time” describes the desired work hours – it has a hyphen because it’s an adjective modifying “job”.)

Does All Time Have a Hyphen?

No, “all time” is typically written with two separate words and no hyphen.

Here’s why:

Function: In most cases, “all time” acts as a compound adjective modifying a noun.

Example: “The athlete achieved an all-time record.” (Here, “all time” modifies “record” to indicate it’s the best record ever achieved.)

Compound Adjectives: Generally, compound adjectives formed with adverbs (like “all”) and adjectives (like “time”) are written as separate words.

Examples: “high school,” “good morning,” “dark blue”

What Is Called Part-Time?

Part-time can be referred to in a few different ways, depending on the context:

Part-time job: This is the most common way to refer to a job that involves fewer hours than a full-time position.
Part-time worker: This term describes someone who is employed part-time. While grammatically correct, “part-timer” is less common and more informal.

Part-time position: Similar to “part-time job,” this refers to a specific employment opportunity with fewer hours than a full-time role.
Part-time basis: This phrase describes the nature of the employment, indicating it’s not a full-time commitment.
Part-time hours: This specifies the timeframe someone works in a part-time role.

Is Part-Time Abbreviated?

“Part-time” can be abbreviated in some cases, but it’s not the most common practice. Here’s a breakdown:

Formal Writing: In formal writing, it’s generally best to spell out “part-time” for clarity and professionalism.
Informal Writing: In informal contexts like emails, online chats, or casual documents, you might see abbreviations like:

PT: This is the most common abbreviation for “part-time.”
P/T: This is less common but still acceptable.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts!

When deciding between “part time” and “part-time,” it is crucial to consider the context in which the term is being used. While both versions are widely accepted, choosing one over the other can impact the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Remember that consistency throughout your content is key, so opt for one style and stick with it. Whether you prefer the open or hyphenated form, ensure that your choice aligns with established style guides or organizational preferences.

Ultimately, there isn’t a definitive right answer as to which term is correct—it depends on your personal preference and adherence to specific guidelines.

By understanding the nuances between “part time” and “part-time,” you can confidently use either version in your writing while maintaining coherence and readability for your audience.