by working in a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by working in a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the manner or method in which an action is performed, often indicating a specific context or environment. Example: "She improved her skills by working in a fast-paced environment that challenged her abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For him, it is a side job: "I'm making a living by working in a boatyard".

The New York Times

Over the years, Ms. Ali had saved money by working in a variety of jobs.

The New York Times

"They feel that by working in a restaurant, their pride is in question.

The New York Times

He wasn't paid for his journalism, so he supported himself by working in a bakery.

The New Yorker

It is already possible to make a living by working in a virtual world, as the "farmers" demonstrate.

The Economist

At first, the girl made her way by working in a laundry and then in a dressmaker's shop.

The New York Times - Books

The same goes for my grandfather, whose life was defined by working in a factory and the First World War.

Independent

Between acting jobs, he supported himself and his family of five by working in a frozen food factory in Harlem.

The New York Times

I did things the hard way by working in a restaurant kitchen until I had my own restaurant.

The Guardian

He lived in London for five years, beginning in 1959, where he supported himself by working in a morgue.

The New York Times - Arts

"We put ourselves through university by working in a cafe, we had to pay our way," Jane said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing professional development or skill acquisition, use "by working in a" to clearly indicate that the experience was gained through active participation in a specific environment. For example, "She enhanced her leadership capabilities by working in a project management role."

Common error

Avoid using "by working in a" in passive constructions where the subject isn't actively doing the work. Instead of saying, "Skills were developed by working in a team", it's clearer to state, "The team members developed skills by working in a collaborative environment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by working in a" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or noun. It describes the means or method through which an action is accomplished or a state is achieved. Ludwig AI examples show its versatility in indicating the context of various activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by working in a" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies the context or environment in which an action occurs. It is grammatically correct and suitable for various registers, with a predominantly neutral tone. According to Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. To maximize clarity, avoid using it in passive constructions. Consider alternatives like "through employment in a" or "via participation in a" to add nuance. Mastering its use enhances precision in describing how experiences and skills are gained within specific settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by being employed in a

Highlights the state of being hired or occupied within a specified role. Adds "being employed" to emphasize the employment status.

by involvement in a

Highlights the action of participating or being connected with a particular environment. It stresses the connection.

through employment in a

Emphasizes the means of skill acquisition or progress. Replaces "by working" with "through employment" and indicates a formal work environment.

by operating within a

Focuses on the functional aspect of performing tasks or activities inside the specific context. It refers to the way something functions or operates.

via participation in a

Focuses on involvement or contribution within a particular setting. Replaces "by working" with "via participation" suggesting a more active engagement.

by functioning in a

Stresses the role of carrying out duties or processes within a given environment. It underscores the functional aspect.

through engagement with a

Suggests interaction and involvement with elements within a particular setting. Changes the emphasis to active engagement.

by serving in a

Implies a role of service or duty within a specific context. Replaces "working" with "serving" suggesting a more altruistic or dedicated involvement.

by contribution to a

Focuses on providing assistance or support within a certain field. It underscores the act of giving.

by application within a

Emphasizes practical usage or implementation of skills within a field. It focuses on the use of methods, skills or knowledge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the expression "by working in a"?

You can use alternatives such as "through employment in a", "via participation in a", or "by being employed in a depending on the context".

Is it correct to start a sentence with "by working in a"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Starting a sentence with "by working in a" emphasizes the method or means of achieving a result. For example: "By working in a collaborative environment, project teams can achieve better results".

What prepositions can I use instead of "in" after "by working"?

While "in" is commonly used, you can sometimes use "on" or "with" depending on the context. For example, "by working on a project" or "by working with a team" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "by working in a" and "through working in a"?

Both phrases are similar and often interchangeable. However, "through working in a" emphasizes the process and experience more than "by working in a". For example, "He gained valuable experience "through working in a" challenging role" highlights the experiential aspect.