a cog in the working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cog in the working" is not correct; it should be "a cog in the machine" or "a cog in the works." You can use it to describe someone or something that plays a small but essential role in a larger system or organization.
Example: "In our company, every employee is important, even if they feel like just a cog in the machine."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The focus on productivity and employability doesn't factor in time for taking care of yourself: you're a cog in the university system, being prepped for becoming a cog in the working world.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In previous generations, organizations were viewed more like machines than like ecosystems: a company was a pretty clear hierarchy, with each person a cog in the works, acting and interacting in prescribed ways.

Forbes

"Each actor works like a cog in the machine, complementing and adding value to one another".

Unicef

Can you be a cog in the system and a spanner in the works?

The Guardian

No sharp division between work and leisure would exist, and a person would be seen as an individual and a human being also when he or she is working, instead of a cog in the wheel.

European Journal of Futures Research

It changes by location as the HA works through localized chapters but broadly the Hells Angels work more like a cog in the black market weed machine than the primary benefactors.

Vice

They want to work as a team, not as a cog in the machine".

The New York Times

Unfortunately, so many of us fall into the trap of working 9 to 5's and feeling like a cog in the machine.

Huffington Post

Leaders hold in-depth knowledge of how the engine of their company works, learning about each employee as more than a cog in the machine.

Forbes

If you work in the fashion industry and are reading this ― you are not just a cog in the wheel.

Huffington Post

You're a cog in the machine.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "a cog in the working" as it is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use the common and accepted idioms "a cog in the machine", "a cog in the system", or "a cog in the wheel" to describe someone or something that performs a small but necessary function in a larger operation.

Common error

A common mistake is using "working" in the phrase. Always remember to use the correct and widely understood phrases: "a cog in the machine", "a cog in the system", or "a cog in the wheel". Using "working" makes the phrase non-idiomatic and grammatically questionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cog in the working" attempts to describe something or someone as a small but essential component of a larger process. The intended function is to denote a role that, while not prominent, is necessary for the overall operation. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this specific wording is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cog in the working" is considered grammatically incorrect. The correct and idiomatic expressions are "a cog in the machine", "a cog in the system", or "a cog in the wheel". These phrases are used to describe something or someone as a small but essential part of a larger process or organization. As Ludwig AI indicates, the infrequent use and grammatical issues suggest avoiding "a cog in the working" in favor of its more accepted alternatives. These alternatives are common in neutral and professional contexts, particularly when discussing work and societal structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cog in the machine

Replaces "working" with "machine", a more common and idiomatic phrasing.

a cog in the system

Substitutes "working" with "system", focusing on the organizational aspect.

a cog in the wheel

Replaces "working" with "wheel", a more conventional and idiomatic phrasing.

a small part of the process

Uses a more descriptive phrase to convey the idea of being a minor element.

a component in the operation

Employs more formal language, replacing the metaphor with a literal description.

an element in the mechanism

Uses "mechanism" to replace "working", highlighting the functional aspect.

a piece of the puzzle

Offers an alternative metaphor emphasizing contribution to a complete picture.

a contributing factor

Shifts the focus to the aspect of contributing to a larger goal.

an integral part

Highlights the necessity of the element within the larger structure.

a minor player

Replaces the mechanical metaphor with a role-based one.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "a cog in the working"?

The correct phrases are "a cog in the machine", "a cog in the system", or "a cog in the wheel". The phrase "a cog in the working" is not standard English.

When can I use the phrase "a cog in the machine"?

Use "a cog in the machine" to describe someone or something that has a small but necessary role in a larger system or organization. It often carries a connotation of lacking individual importance.

Are there alternatives to the idiom "a cog in the wheel"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "a small part of the process", "a contributing factor", or "an integral part" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a cog in the machine" and "a cog in the system"?

While similar, "a cog in the machine" emphasizes the mechanistic aspect of a process, while "a cog in the system" focuses more on the organizational or structural aspect. The best choice depends on the specific context.