I work for

USAGE SUMMARY

"I work for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used whenever you want to express who you are employed by. For example, "I work for a large retail company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I work for Korzhakov.

The New Yorker

"I work for free.

The New Yorker

"I work for FEMA".

The New York Times - Magazine

I work for the government".

The New Yorker

I work for my supper.

The New York Times - Food

I work for the city".

The New York Times

"I work for Dave Bing.

The New York Times - Sports

I work for many reasons.

Independent

"That's what I work for.

The New York Times - Sports

"I work for a nonprofit.

The New York Times

I work for DoD.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying the organization you work for, ensure clarity and use the official name. For example, say "I work for the New York Times" instead of "I work for a newspaper".

Common error

Be specific about who you work for, especially in professional contexts. Avoid vague statements like "I work for a company" without providing further details, as this can create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I work for" functions as a declarative statement identifying the speaker's employer or the entity they are affiliated with. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a standard way to express employment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I work for" is a common and grammatically correct way to state one's employer or the organization they are affiliated with, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is versatile and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. While alternatives like "I am employed by" exist, "I work for" maintains a neutral tone and is widely understood. Remember to be specific about who you work for to avoid ambiguity. As Ludwig shows, this phrase effectively communicates professional affiliation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am employed by

Formal alternative emphasizing the employment relationship.

I am an employee of

States the employment status more explicitly.

I am with

A shorter, more casual way to indicate affiliation with an organization.

I represent

Implies acting on behalf of an organization.

I am part of

Indicates being a member or component of a larger entity.

I belong to

Similar to "I am part of", but can also imply a sense of community.

I am contracted by

Highlights the contractual nature of the work arrangement.

I serve

Suggests a role with a sense of duty or purpose.

I am a staff member at

Specifically refers to being on staff at a particular place.

My employer is

Focuses on who the employer is, rather than the act of working.

FAQs

How can I use "I work for" in a sentence?

Use "I work for" to state your employer or the entity you are affiliated with. For example, "I work for a non-profit organization" or "I work for the government".

What are some alternatives to "I work for"?

You can use alternatives like "I am employed by", "I am an employee of", or "I am with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I'm working for" instead of "I work for"?

While "I'm working for" is grammatically correct, it implies a temporary or project-based association. "I work for" suggests a more permanent or ongoing employment relationship.

Which is correct, "I work for X company" or "I work at X company"?

"I work for X company" is generally preferred, as it indicates your employer. "I work at X company" is also acceptable but emphasizes the location or place of work rather than the employer itself.