to be worked on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to be worked on' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an ongoing process or task that needs to be improved or completed. For example, "We need to allocate more resources to the project to be worked on."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

During the meeting several concerns arose, e.g., scope of issues is too extensive, the most important ones which were selected to be worked on will be discussed here.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

It's something to be worked on," she said.

The Guardian

"Over his career, all sorts of things need to be worked on," Hackett said.

The New York Times - Sports

The machine runs at night, because it has to be worked on during the day.

The New York Times

What you failed to realize is that a marriage needs to be worked on by both the husband and wife.

Forbes

We assume that when an interruption is over and a part is ready to be worked on again, the part joins the queue of waiting parts.

Mathematics-in-Industry Case Studies

Such expectations need to be worked on by theoretical physicists.

Huffington Post

Ending the occupation should be the primary goal that needs to be worked on by finding a mechanism the parties cannot wiggle themselves out of.

Huffington Post

This needs to be worked on".

Independent

Countries have to be worked on.

The Guardian

Hegemony has constantly to be worked on, maintained, renewed, revised.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be worked on" when indicating that something is in progress and requires further effort for completion or improvement.

Common error

While "to be worked on" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to active voice where possible for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be worked on" primarily functions as a passive infinitive phrase. It often modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject requires action or effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be worked on" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something requires further effort or attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a common phrase appearing in various contexts, from news articles and scientific papers to business documents and general writing. While it's important to use active voice when possible, "to be worked on" remains a valuable tool for conveying the need for ongoing work. Related phrases like "to be addressed" and "to be improved" offer alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be resolved

Focuses specifically on finding solutions to problems or conflicts.

to be addressed

Focuses on confronting and dealing with issues, implying a direct approach.

to be completed

Highlights the need for finishing a task.

to require attention

Directly states the need for focus and care, often used for urgent matters.

to be tackled

Suggests a more vigorous and determined effort to resolve a problem.

to be attended to

Implies a need for careful consideration and action.

to be improved

Emphasizes the need for enhancement and refinement, rather than starting from scratch.

to be refined

Implies a process of making something more subtle and effective through careful adjustments.

to be developed

Highlights the need for growth and expansion, often in the context of skills or projects.

to be cultivated

Suggests careful nurturing and gradual growth over time.

FAQs

How can I use "to be worked on" in a sentence?

You can use "to be worked on" to indicate that something requires further effort or attention. For example, "This project still needs "to be worked on" before it's complete".

What are some alternatives to "to be worked on"?

Alternatives include "to be addressed", "to be resolved", or "to be improved" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "to be worked on"?

While grammatically correct, passive voice can sometimes sound weaker. Using active voice where appropriate can make your writing more direct and impactful. Consider rephrasing such as "We need to work on this" instead of "This needs "to be worked on"".

What does "to be worked on" mean in a project management context?

In project management, "to be worked on" typically refers to tasks or deliverables that are currently incomplete and require further action to meet project goals. It signifies that resources and effort must be allocated to progress these items.