to work toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to work toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts or actions aimed at achieving a specific goal or outcome. Example: "We need to work toward a more sustainable future for our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They can learn to work toward goals".

The New York Times

"I continue to work toward that.

The New York Times - Sports

It may even encourage nations to work toward something broader.

The New York Times

You have to work toward it with patience and persistence.

Independent

Organisations need to work toward a culture of openness.

The Guardian

"We'll continue to work toward that every game.

The New York Times - Sports

At least this gives us something to work toward".

The New York Times

"It's a goal many students have to work toward".

The New York Times

And why did we continue to work toward betterment?

The New York Times

To keep people focused, give them something to work toward.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some participants also emphasized the moral and ethical responsibility HCPs have to work toward this goal.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "to work toward" with measurable actions to show concrete steps being taken, rather than vague intentions. For instance, instead of "We will work toward improvement", say "We will work toward a 10% increase in efficiency by the end of the quarter".

Common error

Don't use "to work toward" without a clear, defined objective. Saying "We need to work toward a better future" lacks actionable direction. Instead, specify what that "better future" entails: "We need to work toward reducing carbon emissions by 20% by 2030."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to work toward" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. It indicates the reason or objective behind an action, as seen in Ludwig AI's examples where people or organizations are directing their efforts towards a specified outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to work toward" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating intent and effort directed towards achieving a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "to strive for" or "to aim for" exist, "to work toward" often emphasizes the process and ongoing commitment. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts, demonstrating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, clarity and a specific, defined objective are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to strive for

Implies a greater degree of effort and determination compared to "to work toward".

to aim for

Suggests a specific target or objective, with less emphasis on the process than "to work toward".

to endeavor to

More formal and suggests a serious and determined effort.

to pursue

Focuses on the act of following a course of action to achieve something.

to aspire to

Indicates a desire for something ambitious or of high value.

to make progress toward

Highlights the gradual advancement toward a goal.

to contribute to

Focuses on the act of giving or adding to something to help achieve a result.

to dedicate oneself to

Implies a strong commitment and devotion to achieving a particular outcome.

to make an effort for

Emphasizes the exertion of energy to achieve something.

to set out to

Highlights the intention to start working towards something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to work toward" is used to describe actions taken with the intention of achieving a specific goal. For example, "The team is working toward completing the project by the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "to work toward"?

You can use alternatives like "to strive for", "to aim for", or "to endeavor to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "work towards" instead of "to work toward"?

Yes, "work towards" is also correct and commonly used. The main difference is that "toward" is more common in American English, while "towards" is more common in British English.

What's the difference between "to work toward" and "to achieve"?

"To work toward" implies an ongoing effort or process, while "to achieve" suggests the successful completion of a goal. You work toward a goal in order to achieve it.