is working through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is working through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of dealing with or resolving a situation, problem, or task over time. Example: "She is working through the challenges of her new job and learning to adapt to the company culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her son is working through his rehabilitation.

The Guardian

Sometimes he is working through a musical problem.

The New York Times - Arts

Packer, I suppose we should keep in mind, is working through a crisis in self-confidence.

The New Yorker

Simmonds says his office is working through the 79 recommendations made in the Victims' Voice report.

The Guardian

Clarissa is working through her losses and learning to have a more positive attitude.

The New Yorker

Osborne told MPs: "This country is working through its long term plan.

The Guardian

But even before it started, the Miami-Dade recount is working through controversy.

The New York Times

The real problem here is that America is working through the aftershocks of an equity bubble.

The New York Times

Now he is working through a spate of high-profile commissions.

The Guardian

Top Puerto Rican officials say that the territory is not bankrupt and is working through its problems responsibly.

The New York Times

Officials told the group that Egypt is working through local contacts in Libya to locate and free hostages.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is working through" to describe a process that takes time and effort, especially when dealing with complex or challenging situations. For example, "The company is working through a period of restructuring."

Common error

Avoid using "is working through" when a simpler verb tense would suffice. For example, instead of "The team is working through the report now", consider "The team is reviewing the report now" if the emphasis is on the present action rather than a prolonged process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is working through" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing process of dealing with or resolving something. It is often used to describe efforts to overcome challenges, address problems, or complete complex tasks, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is working through" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the ongoing process of dealing with or resolving a situation, challenge, or task. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. While alternatives like "is addressing" or "is navigating" exist, "is working through" specifically emphasizes the process aspect. Common contexts include news, business, and scientific writing, highlighting its broad applicability and frequent usage in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is addressing

Focuses on the act of dealing with something, often a problem or issue, directly and actively.

is navigating

Emphasizes the skill and effort required to move through a complex or challenging situation.

is tackling

Highlights a direct and forceful approach to dealing with a problem or task.

is resolving

Focuses on the aim of finding a solution to a problem or conflict.

is managing

Implies handling or controlling a situation or resource effectively.

is handling

Suggests dealing with something, often a task or responsibility, in a competent manner.

is processing

Emphasizes the step-by-step approach.

is undergoing

Highlights that the subject is experiencing or being subjected to a process or change.

is grappling with

Indicates struggling to understand or deal with a difficult problem.

is contending with

Focuses on facing and dealing with difficulties or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "is working through" in a sentence?

You can use "is working through" to indicate a process of dealing with or resolving a situation, problem, or task over time. For instance, "The government "is working through" the complexities of the new trade agreement."

What are some alternatives to "is working through"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is addressing", "is navigating", or "is tackling" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "is working through"?

While generally correct, using "is working through" might be inappropriate if a simpler tense accurately reflects the situation. Consider whether the continuous aspect is truly necessary or if a simple present or past tense would be more concise.

What's the difference between "is working through" and "is completing"?

"Is working through" emphasizes a process or struggle, while "is completing" focuses on the act of finishing something. For example, someone might be "working through" grief, but "is completing" a project.