Is 'full-time' always hyphenated?

Yes, when used as an adjective or adverb before a noun ('full-time job'), it is standard to hyphenate. When used adverbially after a verb ('She works full time'), some style guides allow it without the hyphen, but hyphenation is generally preferred for clarity.

What is the difference between 'full-time' and 'permanent'?

'Full-time' refers to the number of hours worked (typically 35-40 per week). 'Permanent' refers to the contract type (not fixed-term). A job can be full-time but temporary, or part-time but permanent.

Can 'full-time' be used for activities other than work?

Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically to indicate total commitment, e.g., 'Being a new parent is a full-time job' or 'He treats his hobby as a full-time pursuit.'

What does 'FTE' mean?

FTE stands for 'Full-Time Equivalent'. It's a unit used in business and academia to standardise the workload of part-time workers or students against a full-time benchmark (e.g., two part-time workers each at 20 hours/week equal 1.0 FTE).

full-time

UK/ˌfʊl ˈtaɪm/US/ˌfʊl ˈtaɪm/

Neutral to Formal

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

Occupying or requiring all of one's available working time (typically 35–40 hours per week).

Denoting complete involvement or commitment to an activity or role; relating to an educational program spanning the standard academic year.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Primarily used as an adjective or adverb to describe work, study, or employment status. Can imply a formal contract and standard benefits.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Hyphenation standard in both. In UK job adverts, sometimes written as 'full time'. The verb 'to full-time' is rare but occasionally seen in informal US contexts.

Connotations

In both, implies stability and commitment. In UK academia, 'full-time student' has specific funding implications.

Frequency

Very high frequency in both, but slightly more common in UK professional contexts than US, where 'full-time' might be implicitly assumed.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

full-time jobfull-time employeefull-time workfull-time positionfull-time studentfull-time equivalent

medium

full-time hoursfull-time basisfull-time stafffull-time mother/father/parentfull-time commitmentfull-time care

weak

full-time attentionfull-time pursuitfull-time hobbyfull-time gigfull-time passion

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[adj.] + noun (a full-time role)[adv.] + verb (to work full-time)Verb + [adj.] (go full-time)

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

full-fledgedfully-committed

Neutral

permanentregularstandard

Weak

all-dayday-longconstant

Vocabulary

Antonyms

part-timetemporarycasualfreelanceoccasionalseasonal

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“To make a full-time job of something (to spend excessive time on a task)”
“Full-time and overtime (complete commitment)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Used in contracts, HR documents, and job descriptions to specify standard working hours and benefits eligibility.

Academic

Describes a student enrolled in a standard course load, or a researcher employed by an institution.

Everyday

Common in conversations about jobs, study, and family roles (e.g., 'a full-time parent').

Technical

In economics and HR, used in metrics like 'Full-Time Equivalent' (FTE).

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

After freelancing for years, she decided to full-time with the agency.

American English

He's planning to full-time it once he graduates.

Examples

By CEFR Level

My mother has a full-time job.
He is a full-time student.

I work full-time, so I am busy during the week.
The company only hires full-time employees.

After the internship, she was offered a full-time role with managerial prospects.
Balancing full-time study with a part-time job requires good time management.

The shift from part-time consultancy to full-time employment entailed a significant adjustment in workload and responsibility.
Their analysis calculated the project's cost in full-time equivalents rather than simple headcount.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a FULL cup of TIME – you are using all your available working time.

Conceptual Metaphor

TIME IS A CONTAINER (the container of 'working time' is completely full).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Do not confuse with 'полное время' (which is unnatural). The correct translation is 'полная занятость' for employment or 'на постоянной основе'. For studies, use 'очное обучение' (full-time) vs 'заочное' (part-time/distance).

Common Mistakes

Writing as one word 'fulltime'. Using it as a noun ('I have a full-time') instead of 'I have a full-time job'. Confusing 'full-time student' with 'student who studies all the time'.
Using 'full-time' when 'permanent' is more accurate for contract type.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After graduating, she hopes to find a position in marketing.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'full-time' LEAST appropriate?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, when used as an adjective or adverb before a noun ('full-time job'), it is standard to hyphenate. When used adverbially after a verb ('She works full time'), some style guides allow it without the hyphen, but hyphenation is generally preferred for clarity.
: 'Full-time' refers to the number of hours worked (typically 35-40 per week). 'Permanent' refers to the contract type (not fixed-term). A job can be full-time but temporary, or part-time but permanent.
: Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically to indicate total commitment, e.g., 'Being a new parent is a full-time job' or 'He treats his hobby as a full-time pursuit.'
: FTE stands for 'Full-Time Equivalent'. It's a unit used in business and academia to standardise the workload of part-time workers or students against a full-time benchmark (e.g., two part-time workers each at 20 hours/week equal 1.0 FTE).