to work towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"to work towards" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe an effort or goal that someone is actively striving for. Example: "I am determined to work towards achieving my dream of becoming a successful author."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

[Ruminating] It's something to work towards though.

The Guardian - Sport

He wants to work towards such an attitude.

The Guardian - Sport

On this we need to work towards consensus.

The Guardian

I love having a big target to work towards.

The Guardian - Sport

You need those large, ambitious goals to work towards".

The Guardian

"That is what we need to work towards.

Independent

It never ends, there is nothing to work towards.

Independent

The aim is to work towards better systems, not exist in this system as superior people.

The Guardian - Opinion

NRA chairman Shunichi Tanaka has officially called on Tepco to work towards a release.

The Guardian

Even President Obama had encouraged all parties to work towards a deal.

The Guardian - Opinion

That means all stakeholders, including pharmaceuticals, will have to work towards a common vision.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to work towards", ensure that the goal is clearly defined and understandable. This provides context and purpose to the action being described.

Common error

Avoid using "to work towards" when the action is immediate or already completed. This phrase implies an ongoing effort toward a future goal, not a past achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to work towards" functions as an infinitive verb phrase indicating purpose or direction. It is used to describe the process of making effort or taking steps to achieve a goal, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Huffington Post

9%

EU Parlament

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to work towards" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe efforts aimed at achieving a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and wikis. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

When using "to work towards", make sure the objective is clearly defined. Some alternatives like "to strive for" or "to aim for" can add nuance to your writing. However, avoid using the phrase when referring to completed actions, as it denotes an ongoing process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to strive for

Emphasizes determined effort and ambition, suggesting a strong desire to achieve something.

to aim for

Suggests a specific target or objective is set and is being actively pursued.

to endeavor to

More formal and highlights the diligence and seriousness of the effort being made.

to pursue

Highlights continuous efforts and dedication to reach a particular objective.

to aspire to

Implies a high-reaching goal that may be challenging to achieve but is worth aiming for.

to make progress toward

Focuses on the incremental steps and advancements being made in the direction of a goal.

to move toward

Indicates a gradual shift in direction or state, emphasizing the ongoing change.

to advance toward

Suggests active steps are being taken to get closer to a certain goal, emphasizing action.

to contribute to

Indicates participation and assistance in an effort to realize the specified goal.

to foster

Implies nurturing and supporting the development of a specific goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "to work towards" to describe efforts made for a future objective. For example, "We need "to work towards" a more sustainable future".

What are some alternatives to "to work towards"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to strive for", "to aim for", or "to endeavor to", each with slight nuances in meaning.

Is there a difference between "to work towards" and "to work for"?

"To work towards" implies movement in the direction of a goal, while "to work for" usually means being employed by someone or advocating for something. For example, "I work for a company" versus "I "to work towards" a promotion".

When is it appropriate to use "to work towards" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when describing ongoing efforts toward a clearly defined future objective, such as in reports or academic papers, but you can use alternatives like "to endeavor to" or "to make efforts towards".