I was working for

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was working for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a past or ongoing action in the past tense. Example: "Last summer, I was working for a small start-up company as an intern. It was a great learning experience and I gained valuable skills that have helped me in my current job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was working for Domino's.

The New Yorker

I was working for ABC.

The New Yorker

"I was working for I.B.M.," he said.

The New Yorker

"I was working for Mohammed alDamarchi.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's what I was working for".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was working for Levi's Dockers division.

The New York Times

"I was working for ABC as a consultant," he said.

The New York Times

"I was working for the movie industry, the TV industry.

The New York Times

I was working for Life magazine at the time.

The Guardian - Arts

Yeah, because I like the people I was working for.

The New York Times - Magazine

I said I was working for the NME.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was working for", clearly specify the organization or individual you were employed by to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I was working for Google as a software engineer."

Common error

Avoid using "I was working for" without a clear reference. Don't say, "I was working for them," without specifying who "them" refers to in the context. Always ensure the employer is clearly identified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was working for" functions as part of a clause, indicating a past employment relationship. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts to specify the employer or entity for whom the speaker was performing work.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was working for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a past employment relationship. Analysis of Ludwig's extensive examples reveals its frequent use in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, ensure clear specification of the employer. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "I used to work at" or "I was employed by". This comprehensive guide provides insights into its usage, context, and potential pitfalls, ensuring effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I previously worked at

Emphasizes the previous nature of the employment.

I used to work at

Replaces "working for" with "work at", focusing on the place of employment.

My former employer was

Focuses on naming the former employer directly.

I was employed by

Uses a more formal term, "employed by", to indicate the employer.

I was an employee of

States the relationship as being an employee of the company.

I held a position at

Focuses on the specific position held within an organization.

I was on the staff of

Implies being part of the staff or team of an organization.

I was contracted by

Indicates a contractual relationship rather than direct employment.

I freelanced for

Specifies freelance work, implying project-based involvement.

I used to be with

Less formal way to indicate a past association or employment.

FAQs

How can I use "I was working for" in a sentence?

Use "I was working for" to describe past employment. For example, "I was working for IBM when I developed that software."

What are some alternatives to "I was working for"?

Alternatives include "I used to work at", "I was employed by", or "I previously worked at", depending on the level of formality you need.

Is it better to say "I worked for" or "I was working for"?

"I worked for" implies a completed period of employment, while "I was working for" suggests a duration of time in the past. Both are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "I was working for" and "I worked at"?

"I was working for" usually indicates the entity or organization you were employed by. "I worked at" often refers to a specific location or branch. For example, "I was working for Microsoft" versus "I worked at the Redmond campus".