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> あなたにとって仕事【しごと】 **とは** なんでしょうか

What is the purpose of `とは` above?  
Would using `は` alone have been any different?

If `とは` is a grammatical construct, I would appreciate additional examples
clarifying its significance.
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2014-10-29T02:43:40.560
19310
2014-10-30T11:18:32.073
2014-10-30T11:18:32.073
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question
grammar
Purpose of ～とは in 「あなたにとって仕事とはなんでしょうか」
“とは” introduces a definition.

“AとはBである” = “The definition of A is B”

In your example: “あなたにとって仕事 **とは** なんですか” = “How do you define jobs?” where
“What do you work for?” is implied.

“あなたにとって仕事 **は** なんですか” sounds awkward and is interpreted as “あなたの仕事はなんですか” (=
“What is your job?”).
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-10-29T14:20:23.333
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2014-10-29T14:20:23.333
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answer