need to work for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to work for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a requirement or necessity to put in effort or labor for a particular purpose or goal. Example: "I need to work for my degree to ensure a successful future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For a pair of boots, you would need to work for a month, he said.

The New York Times

Some actors need to work for the money, but money is not a priority for me.

The New York Times - Style

The Gentlemen were mostly aristocratic landowners who didn't need to work for money.

The Guardian - Books

The grim reality is that they may need to work for several years beyond 65.

The Guardian - Money

"We recognise it's a challenge and we need to work for consistency of customer service".

The Guardian

"The kids can come in, but they need to work for someone else first," he said.

The New York Times

Today the new pope received Patriarch Bartholomew and they exchanged warm words about the need to work for full reconciliation.

The Economist

I'm not fully retired, but I don't need to work for the next 10 or 20 years".

The New York Times

The internal systems of accountability need to work for the public to have any confidence in the police".

The Guardian

"He's made a pile of money, so he probably doesn't need to work for anybody else," one said.

Independent

Marie Zimmermann, an heiress to a straw-importing fortune, did not need to work for a living.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to work for", ensure the context clearly specifies what one is working towards, whether it's a tangible goal, an ideal, or a person. This provides clarity and purpose to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "need to work for" without specifying the object or goal. Saying "we need to work for it" without further explanation can be vague and confusing. Instead, clarify what 'it' refers to, such as "We need to work for a better future."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to work for" functions as an infinitive phrase acting as a verb complement. It typically indicates the necessity of exerting effort to achieve a particular outcome or goal. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "need to work for" is a versatile expression signifying the necessity of effort to achieve a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across varied contexts. Analysis reveals that the phrase is predominantly found in News & Media, emphasizing its relevance in contemporary discussions. When using "need to work for", ensure clarity by specifying the object of one's efforts to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "must endeavor towards" for more formal settings. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is a valuable tool for expressing commitment and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need to aim for

Similar to 'should aim for' but expresses necessity.

have to strive for

Emphasizes the effort required to achieve something.

have to labor for

Implies hard physical work towards a specific end.

must endeavor towards

A more formal way of expressing effort toward a goal.

must toil towards

Conveys persistent and exhaustive effort.

should aim for

Indicates a goal or target to be reached.

should aspire to

Suggests a high-level or ambitious objective.

ought to pursue

Implies a moral obligation or strong advisability.

should reach for

Suggests stretching to achieve a goal.

have to gun for

Suggests aiming to achieve something in a very competitive environment.

FAQs

How can I use "need to work for" in a sentence?

You can use "need to work for" to express the necessity of effort towards a specific goal. For example, "You need to work for your dreams to achieve them."

What's a more formal alternative to "need to work for"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "must endeavor towards" or "should aspire to", depending on the context.

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

No, "I need working for" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "I need to work for", where "to work" is the infinitive form of the verb.

What's the difference between "need to work for" and "have to work for"?

While both phrases convey a sense of obligation, "need to work for" suggests a requirement based on a personal desire or necessity, whereas "have to work for" implies an external obligation or requirement. Semantically they overlap greatly though. Consider replacing "need to work for" with "have to strive for".