I worked at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I worked at" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a job or business you were employed at in the past. For example, "I worked at a law firm for two years before I decided to pursue my own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

I worked at it.

The New Yorker

"I worked at Chase.

The New York Times

I worked at a national magazine.

The New Yorker

At night, I worked at the restaurant.

The New Yorker

"I worked at the Jet petrol station.

The Guardian - Travel

I worked at their pace.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

I work at a deli.

The New York Times - Magazine

I work at this hotel.

The New York Times

I work at PBS once a week.

The New York Times

I work at a wholesale distributor.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I work at a cabinet shop, Rick.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I worked at" to clearly and directly state your past employment. It's suitable for resumes, cover letters, and casual conversation.

Common error

Ensure the context is clear by specifying the company or organization immediately after "I worked at". Vague statements can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I worked at" functions as a declarative statement indicating past employment or engagement at a specific location or organization. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, reinforcing its straightforward application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I worked at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing past employment or engagement with an organization or location. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, ensure clarity by specifying the company or organization immediately after the phrase. Alternatives such as "I was employed at" or "I held a position at" can add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was employed at

Replaces "worked" with "was employed", emphasizing a formal employment relationship.

I held a position at

Focuses on the position or role held rather than just the act of working.

I was stationed at

Implies a temporary or assigned location of work, often used in military or governmental contexts.

My workplace was

Shifts the focus to the location itself.

I did my job at

Emphasizes the performance of tasks at a specific place.

I spent time working at

Highlights the duration of working at a place.

I contributed to

Emphasizes the contribution made at a specific place or organization.

I was active in

Suggests involvement or participation in activities related to a place.

I labored at

Uses a more formal and perhaps strenuous term for working.

I performed duties at

Highlights specific tasks performed in a particular place.

FAQs

How can I use "I worked at" in a sentence?

Use "I worked at" to describe a past employment. For example, "I worked at Google for five years."

What are some alternatives to "I worked at"?

You can use phrases like "I was employed at", "I held a position at", or "I was stationed at depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I have worked at" instead of "I worked at"?

Yes, "I have worked at" is also correct, but it implies a longer duration or relevance to the present. "I worked at" is generally used for specific past employments without current relevance.

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

"I worked at" specifies the place or organization where you worked, while "I worked for" indicates who you were employed by. For example, "I worked at the hospital" versus "I worked for Dr. Smith".