in the workings of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the workings of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the internal operations of something. For example: "A great deal of complexity can be found in the workings of the human brain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hunch and instinct in the workings of the mind.

The New York Times - Books

She has confidence in the workings of time.

The Guardian - Books

Politics, too, play an inevitable role in the workings of the I.O.C.

The New York Times - Sports

Dr. Brown had just received a crash course in the workings of the interventional cardiology business.

The New York Times

Ideologically drawn to Taoism, she sees ethical and spiritual parables in the workings of nature.

The Guardian - Music

I'm just passing it on for anyone interesting in the workings of the Westminster rumour mill.

The Guardian

FOR researchers interested in the workings of the subatomic and astrophysical realms, soup is on the menu.

The Economist

There aren't many teenagers who hold the same interest in the workings of parliamentary democracy as Benn.

Independent

Trans fat is artificial, and acts in the body like grains of sand do in the workings of a clock.

The New York Times

For all his eclecticism, however, his basic interest seemed to be in the workings of the human mind.

The New Yorker

While observer status does not guarantee full membership, it does provide experience in the workings of the trading system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the workings of" when you want to describe how something functions internally, especially when referring to complex systems or abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "in the workings of" when a simpler preposition like "in" or "within" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the workings of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase. It describes the internal processes, mechanisms, or operations of something. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the workings of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the internal processes, mechanisms, or operations of a system, organization, or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "in the operation of" or "within the mechanics of" exist, "in the workings of" offers a balance of formality and clarity, making it suitable for both professional and general audiences. However, it's essential to avoid overusing the phrase when simpler prepositions would suffice, ensuring that your writing remains concise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the operation of

Replaces "workings" with "operation", focusing on the functional aspect.

in the functioning of

Similar to "operation", but emphasizes the active performance of a function.

in the inner workings of

Adds emphasis to the hidden or less obvious aspects of the operations.

in the internal processes of

Explicitly states the internal nature of the processes involved.

within the mechanics of

Highlights the mechanical or procedural aspects of a system.

in the machinery of

Implies a complex, often automated, system of operations.

inside the dynamics of

Focuses on the interactive forces and processes at play.

regarding the mechanisms of

Emphasizes the specific processes or techniques used.

in the system of

Refers to the organized set of components or procedures.

concerning the procedures of

Highlights the formal steps and protocols involved.

FAQs

How can I use "in the workings of" in a sentence?

You can use "in the workings of" to describe the internal processes or operations of something. For example, "Understanding the role of each component is crucial to understanding the workings of the engine".

What can I say instead of "in the workings of"?

You can use alternatives like "in the operation of", "in the functioning of", or "within the mechanics of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in the working of" instead of "in the workings of"?

While "in the working of" might be understandable, "in the workings of" is the more common and grammatically accepted phrase, especially when referring to multiple processes or components.

What's the difference between "in the workings of" and "how something works"?

"In the workings of" is more formal and often used when discussing complex systems or abstract concepts. "How something works" is a simpler and more direct way to inquire or explain the functionality of something.