Do the housework or do housework

[ROBINDESBOIS]

In my textbook both are used, is there a difference in meaning or any nuances I should know or is it simply a question of evolution, or dialect?

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by ROBINDESBOIS

In my textbook both are used, is there a difference in meaning or any nuances I should know or is it simply a question of evolution, or dialect?

I would say 'the housework' if it is something tangible and specific for every house (well, it should be ). As an abstract concept, just 'housework':

I hate housework, it's so boring.
He was annoyed that he had to do the housework whilst she watched football on TV all the time
I was doing some housework when he arrived.

[wrholt]

Originally Posted by ROBINDESBOIS

In my textbook both are used, is there a difference in meaning or any nuances I should know or is it simply a question of evolution, or dialect?

Originally Posted by Perikles

I would say 'the housework' if it is something tangible and specific for every house (well, it should be ). As an abstract concept, just 'housework':

I hate housework, it's so boring.
He was annoyed that he had to do the housework whilst she watched football on TV all the time
I was doing some housework when he arrived.

US usage matches what Perikles says for the most part. However, to my ears, if no other context suggests otherwise, I hear:

a. He was annoyed that he had to do the housework whilst she watched football on TV all the time = general statement
b. He was annoyed that he had to do housework whilst she watched football on TV all the time = general statement
c. He was annoyed that he had to do housework whilst she watched football on TV = probably a general statement, could be a specific occasion

But:

d. He was annoyed that he had to do the housework whilst she watched football on TV = probably a specific occasion, could be a general statement

Also:

I hate doing the housework, it's so boring = sounds like it refers to my own home
I hate doing housework, it's so boring = sounds like a general statement