things to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'things to work' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to activities that need to be carried out in order to achieve a desired outcome. For example, "We have many things to work on if we want to succeed in this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He wants things to work".

The New York Times

Essentially, I just like things to work.

Independent

"There are still things to work on.

Independent

"So I wanted things to work out".

The New York Times

He puts his things to work.

The New York Times

But we have things to work on.

The Guardian - Sport

I wanted things to work out.

The New York Times - Sports

"There are things to work on.

The Guardian - Sport

"We've got some things to work out".

The New York Times - Sports

"We've got things to work on.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's OK, [they're just] things to work on.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things to work" to clearly indicate areas needing improvement or attention. It's a direct and easily understood way to frame tasks or challenges.

Common error

While "things to work" is versatile, overuse in formal writing can sound informal. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "areas for development" or "issues to address" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things to work" functions as a noun phrase often followed by a preposition like "on" or "out". According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly used and grammatically correct. It identifies areas needing attention or tasks to be undertaken, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "things to work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote areas requiring improvement or effort. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and versatile. While suitable for various contexts, it's essential to consider the register. News & Media constitutes a significant portion of its usage, with Science and Formal & Business contexts following. In formal settings, synonyms such as "areas for development" or "issues to address" can be used to elevate the tone. Remembering these nuances will ensure effective and appropriate use of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issues to address

Emphasizes problems or concerns that need resolution.

matters to resolve

Indicates outstanding issues requiring a solution.

aspects to improve

Focuses on the need for enhancement in specific areas.

areas for development

Highlights aspects that require further growth or refinement.

improvements to implement

Suggests changes that should be put into effect.

challenges to overcome

Points out difficulties that must be conquered.

details to refine

Focuses on the need to improve specific elements.

tasks to complete

Refers to specific jobs or assignments that need finishing.

points to consider

Highlights items that require thoughtful examination.

steps to take

Refers to actions that need to be carried out.

FAQs

How can I use "things to work" in a sentence?

You can use "things to work" to refer to tasks, challenges, or areas that require improvement. For example, "We have many "things to work" on before the project is complete."

What are some alternatives to "things to work"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "aspects to improve", "areas for development", or "issues to address".

Is it always appropriate to use "things to work" in professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "things to work" might sound too informal in certain professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "matters to resolve" or "improvements to implement" for a more polished tone.

What's the difference between "things to work on" and "things to work out"?

"Things to work on" typically refers to tasks needing effort, while "things to work out" often implies resolving problems or figuring out solutions. For example, you might have "things to work on" in a project, but "things to work out" in a relationship.