by working for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by working for" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate the means or method by which something is achieved. Example: I was able to save up enough money to buy a car by working for extra hours during the weekends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I support myself by working for Eat Catering.

The New York Times - Magazine

Second, Google earns income by working for other companies.

Stanford University

I sustained myself without financial support from home by working for a clothing manufacturer.

The New York Times

You're going to learn a whole lot about winning by working for winners.

The New York Times

You learn that by working for people like I. M. Pei.

The New York Times - Magazine

But nowadays, the animals stave off boredom by working for their supper.

The New York Times

We're like a refugee camp for people traumatised by working for bigcorp.

The Guardian - Tech

By working for this dot-com, am I inadvertently compromising academic standards?

The New York Times - Magazine

Dr. Sinar limited expenses by working for room and board on some programs.

The New York Times

We could double our chances by working for one of these candidates, not against the other.

The New York Times

Alternatively, you might be able to get around by working for your board.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how someone acquired a skill or achieved a goal, use "by working for" to clearly indicate that the accomplishment was a direct result of their employment or association with a particular entity.

Common error

Avoid substituting "by working for" with similar prepositions that imply different relationships, such as "by working with" (which suggests collaboration) or "by working on" (which suggests working on a task or project).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by working for" functions as a prepositional phrase that indicates the means or method by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. It specifies that the action or result is a consequence of being employed by or associated with a particular entity. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by working for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase to express how employment or association with an entity leads to a specific outcome. Ludwig confirms its grammatical soundness and practical usage across diverse contexts. Its use is particularly prevalent in news, academic, and business writing. When writing, ensure clarity and accuracy in describing the relationship between the action and its result, choosing prepositions carefully to avoid misinterpretations. By following these insights, you can effectively and precisely convey how individuals or entities achieve success or gain experience "by working for" others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by being employed by

Emphasizes the state of being hired or contracted by an organization.

through employment at

Focuses on the means of achieving something via working in a formal environment.

via association with

Highlights the connection or relationship with a particular group or company as a pathway.

through collaboration with

Emphasizes teamwork and partnership in achieving a common goal.

working in conjunction with

Focuses on operating jointly or in coordination with another party.

gaining experience at

Stresses acquiring skills and knowledge through working in an organisation.

by contributing to

Highlights the act of providing assistance or input towards a specific entity.

in the service of

Indicates dedication and contribution to a particular entity or cause.

by teaming up with

Highlights the act of joining forces with a group to accomplish a shared goal.

as a member of

Highlights belonging to a specific group or organization for achieving an outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "by working for" to show that an action or achievement is a direct result of someone's employment with a particular organization. For example, "She gained valuable experience "by working for" a multinational corporation".

What are some alternatives to "by working for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "through employment at", "via association with", or "by being employed by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "by work for" instead of "by working for"?

No, "by work for" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""by working for"", which uses the gerund form of the verb to indicate the means by which something is achieved.

How does "by working for" differ from "by working with"?

"By working for" implies a direct employment relationship, while "by working with" suggests collaboration or partnership. For example, "He advanced his career "by working for" a prestigious firm" versus "He achieved great results by working with a talented team".