I worked that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I worked that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you have completed a task or handled a situation effectively. Example: "After several hours of effort, I finally worked that issue out and resolved the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I worked that paradox for all it was worth when I coached a Catholic high school boys' cross-country team, St. Rose of Belmar, N.J., some years back.

The New York Times - Sports

"I worked that little bit more for it, I wanted it that little bit more," Walsh said, rightly.

The Guardian - Sport

If I worked that year, I am entitled to whatever pay and benefits were promised at that time: the agreement was seen to be one in perpetuity.

The New York Times

"On the day 'Fight Club' started filming, my agent sent dozens of white roses to the garage where I worked — that kind of botched my standing among the other mechanics".

The New York Times - Books

"I worked that old mine in the 50's," said Joe Jashienski, an 89-year-old retired union organizer who watched the rescue efforts from his house here on Schoolhouse Road.

The New York Times

P. K. Scheerle, a nurse who is now chief executive of American Nursing Services, a temporary staffing agency, said: "When I was a young nurse I used to be able to work 12-hour shifts, but now that I'm in my 40's and with children at home, if I worked that kind of shift, muscling eight patients, I'd be totally exhausted".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I've worked that way ever since I came here.

The New Yorker

When I work that hard I quickly start making mistakes.

The Guardian

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Vice

"I work that into just about every conversation," he teased.

Huffington Post

"When I'm working, that's when I'm focused.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I worked that" to convey that you put effort into something and achieved a result. Ensure the context makes it clear what "that" refers to, whether it's a problem, task, or goal.

Common error

Avoid using "I worked that" without a clear antecedent for "that". Ensure your reader understands what you are referring to; otherwise, use a more specific phrase or clarify the reference.

Linguistic Context

"I worked that" functions primarily as a statement of action and completion. It signifies that the speaker dedicated effort to a specific task or situation and achieved a result. This is supported by the diverse examples provided by Ludwig, encompassing various contexts such as problem-solving, project completion, and personal growth.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I worked that" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to indicate effort and completion of a task or management of a situation. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though ensuring a clear reference for "that" is crucial for clarity. More formal alternatives such as "I handled that" or "I managed that" exist for professional settings. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, suggesting its broader applicability in contemporary communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I handled that

Emphasizes successfully managing or dealing with a situation.

I dealt with that

Suggests addressing or taking care of something.

I took care of that

Highlights the act of ensuring something was properly managed.

I managed that

Focuses on the successful completion of a task, often despite challenges.

I accomplished that

Emphasizes the achievement of a specific goal.

I achieved that

Similar to 'accomplished', but may also imply skill or strategic action.

I executed that

Implies a more formal or planned approach to completing a task.

I performed that

Often used in the context of a skill or duty being carried out.

I saw to that

Indicates ensuring something was done, often with a sense of responsibility.

I oversaw that

Implies a supervisory role in the completion of a task or project.

FAQs

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

You can use "I worked that" to indicate you put effort into and completed a task. For example, "The project was challenging, but I worked that until it was finished."

What's a more formal way to say "I worked that"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "I handled that", "I managed that", or "I executed that", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I worked that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig.

What does "I worked that" imply about the task or situation?

"I worked that" generally implies effort and successful completion. It suggests you actively engaged with the task and achieved a desired outcome.