to work for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to work for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone laboring or serving in some capacity. For example: She was determined to work for a company with a strong commitment to social justice.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Willing to work for nothing.

Independent

To work for my compatriots.

The New York Times

I want to work for it".

The New York Times - Sports

They want Washington to work for them.

The New York Times

Companies have to work for your loyalty.

The New York Times - Tech

This solution seems to work for both.

The New York Times

I wanted to work for Xerox.

The New York Times

Eventually I went to work for him.

The New York Times

UConn had to work for the victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Koo used to work for Prada.

The New Yorker

Activism tends to work, for one thing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to work for", ensure clarity regarding what or whom the work is benefiting. It can refer to employment, a cause, or a personal goal. Always provide context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to work for" without specifying the entity or cause. For example, instead of saying "I want to work for it", clarify what 'it' refers to, such as "I want "to work for the company"" or "I want "to work for the cause"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to work for" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express purpose or intent related to employment, service, or dedication. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

29%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to work for" is a versatile expression used to indicate employment, service, or dedication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specifying the entity or cause ensures effective communication. Common alternatives include "to be employed by" and "to dedicate oneself to", each offering a slightly different nuance. Remember to provide context to avoid ambiguity and ensure your message is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be employed by

Focuses specifically on the employment aspect, emphasizing the relationship between the worker and the employer.

to labor for

Emphasizes the effort and exertion involved in working for someone or something.

to toil for

Similar to 'labor', but often suggests more arduous or prolonged work.

to be in the service of

Implies a sense of duty and responsibility towards a person or entity.

to serve under

Highlights the hierarchical aspect, suggesting working in a subordinate role.

to be on the payroll of

Directly indicates the financial aspect of being employed by someone.

to dedicate oneself to

Indicates a strong commitment and devotion to a cause or organization.

to support

Highlights the act of providing assistance or resources to someone or something.

to strive for

Focuses on the effort and ambition towards achieving a particular goal.

to further the cause of

Emphasizes working towards achieving a specific objective or goal.

FAQs

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

Use "to work for" to indicate employment or dedication to a specific entity or cause. For instance, "She wants "to work for a nonprofit organization"" or "He is willing "to work for a lower salary to gain experience"".

What are some alternatives to "to work for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to be employed by", "to serve under", or "to dedicate oneself to".

Is it correct to say "I want to work for myself"?

Yes, it is correct. "To work for myself" means you want to be self-employed or independent, rather than working for an employer.

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

"To work for" implies an employer-employee relationship or a dedication to a cause. "To work with", on the other hand, indicates collaboration or partnership.