we worked for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we worked for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the organization, person, or cause for which someone has provided their labor or effort. Example: "During our summer internship, we worked for a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We worked for this.

The New Yorker

'We worked for each other.

The New York Times

We worked for that money.

The Guardian - Money

We worked for Sidney Sheldon, the writer.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's something we worked for all year.

The New York Times - Sports

We worked for months without meeting.

The New York Times

"We worked for institutions that were good and strong".

The New Yorker

"We worked for him back in the day.

The New York Times

We worked for about an hour and a half.

The New York Times

"We worked for a whole year on that album.

The Guardian - Music

We worked for Ann Sothern, the movie star.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating the purpose of your work. For example, instead of saying "We worked for a better future", specify "We worked for a sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions".

Common error

Ensure that the object of "for" is a specific entity or purpose. Avoid using "we worked for" without a clear recipient, as it can lead to confusion about who benefited from the work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we worked for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the beneficiary or the purpose of the work performed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes who or what received the effort and labor. Examples show it used to denote employers, causes, or goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0.1%

Encyclopedias

0.1%

Reference

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we worked for" is a common phrase used to specify the recipient or purpose of one's labor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various communications. It's crucial to clearly identify the beneficiary or cause to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "we labored for" and "we served", offering alternative ways to express the same idea. Remember, while grammatically sound, ensure clarity in specifying who or what benefited from your efforts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we labored for

Replaces "worked" with "labored", emphasizing the effort expended.

we toiled for

Substitutes "worked" with "toiled", suggesting sustained and arduous work.

we served

Focuses on providing service or assistance.

we were employed by

Indicates a formal employment relationship.

we were in the service of

Emphasizes dedication and commitment.

we contributed to

Highlights the act of making a contribution.

we dedicated ourselves to

Stresses commitment and focused effort.

we devoted our time to

Highlights the time spent.

we were committed to

Focuses on a strong sense of commitment.

we collaborated with

Emphasizes the collaborative aspect of the work.

FAQs

How can I use "we worked for" in a sentence?

Use "we worked for" to indicate the entity or cause for which you or your group provided labor or effort. For example, "We worked for a local charity" or "We worked for environmental conservation".

What are some alternatives to "we worked for"?

You can use phrases like "we labored for", "we toiled for", or "we served" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we worked for ourselves"?

Yes, it is correct. Saying "we worked for ourselves" means that you or your group worked for your own benefit, rather than for an employer or organization.

What's the difference between "we worked for" and "we worked with"?

"We worked for" indicates who benefited from your efforts. "We worked with" indicates who you collaborated with during your work. For example, "We worked for a client" versus "We worked with a team of engineers".