a lot (of work) to do

[Arcona]

Hello,

a friend is helping to prepare an exhibition. The opening day will be Monday. Two weeks ago he said that there is a lot of work to do. I want to ask him now:


Do you still have a lot of work to do before Monday?
or
Do you still have a lot to do before Tuesday?


I would like to use the second, shorter question, but I am wondering if the meaning changes a lot if I omit "of work". I think if I omit it than "a lot to do" could also refer to other things besides work. Is that correct?

Thank you.

 

[owlman5]

It's fine to use "Do you still have a lot to do?" Presumably, your listener will understand that you are talking about the work that remains to be done.

 

[Parla]

But presumably, you meant Monday in your second question, yes?

 

[Arcona]

Thanks a lot for your replies. Yes, I meant Monday.
Reading my questions again I am wondering now if "until Monday" would work as well?

 

[Parla]

No, before is the word you want here.