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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
well working
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"well working" is not an idiomatic phrase in written English.
The phrase you are looking for is "well-functioning". You would use it to refer to an object or system that is working properly. Example sentence: This car has a well-functioning engine.
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
47 human-written examples
I think he's playing well, working hard for the team.
News & Media
It is likely that these gonzo proclivities will serve him well, working with Colbert.
News & Media
"I don't do well working with a board of directors that are not educators," he said.
News & Media
That this tiger leapt on Mr. Tharu was a sign that the Khata corridor was, well, working.
News & Media
Martin, 24, the top pick in 2000, has plenty to prove as well, working out nearly every day since August.
News & Media
Interviewed this week by ESPN, Mourning said he was doing "extremely well," working out, though not to play ball.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
11 human-written examples
DNA was purified from each sample and quantified, and pools of eight samples were prepared into bar-coded 96-well working plates using a QIAGEN BioRobot 3000 (Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany).
Science
One line to tell you I am well - working - happy tho' tired - I am getting on all right and am learning lots each day.
News & Media
Yet it's far more harmful for the infected – namely, entrepreneurs and VCs who should spend less time networking and more time actually, well… working.
News & Media
Factors influencing the success of the plots were modelled to obtain information on how to design a well-working agri-environment scheme (AES).
Science & Research
In this paper a basic simple circuit for MPPT execution of a close planetary system is proposed which is well-working in all meteorological conditions and has an altered recurrence.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In scientific or technical contexts where precision is critical, replace "well working" with clearer alternatives like "operating correctly" or "performing efficiently".
Common error
Avoid using "well working" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. This phrase is often considered non-idiomatic. Opt for more precise and accepted alternatives like "well-functioning" or "operating effectively".
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "well working" functions as an adjective-verb phrase, attempting to describe the state or condition of something in operation. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not idiomatic in standard written English. It tries to define an element as performing in an acceptable or efficient way.
Frequent in
Science
45%
News & Media
40%
Wiki
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "well working" is used across diverse contexts, it is generally considered non-idiomatic in standard written English. Ludwig AI suggests that the term you are looking for is "well-functioning", which is more precise and grammatically sound. The phrase's function is typically to describe an element that performs acceptably or efficiently. You'll find it used in Science, News and Media and Wiki. For improved clarity and precision, especially in formal or technical writing, it's best to consider alternatives like "well functioning", "effectively functioning" or "properly operating".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
working effectively
Emphasizes the effectiveness of the work being done, similar to "effectively functioning".
effectively functioning
Replaces "well" with "effectively" and "working" with "functioning", emphasizing the successful operation of something.
properly operating
Suggests that something is working in the correct or intended manner, replacing "well" with "properly".
functioning optimally
Highlights that performance is working in the best possible way.
functioning correctly
Emphasizes the correctness of the function, rather than the quality of the work itself.
in good working order
Implies that something is in a suitable condition for operation.
running perfectly
Specifies that the object is working without any defect.
efficiently running
Focuses on the efficiency of the operation, suggesting that something is working without waste.
operating smoothly
Highlights the smoothness of the operation, implying a lack of problems or interruptions.
performing adequately
Suggests that something is meeting a minimum standard of performance.
FAQs
Is "well working" grammatically correct in English?
While "well working" is sometimes used, it is generally considered non-idiomatic. Alternatives like /s/well+functioning, /s/effectively+working, or /s/properly+operating are usually preferred for better grammatical correctness.
What are some alternatives to "well working" that I can use?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as /s/effectively+functioning, /s/properly+operating, or /s/in+good+working+order. The best choice will depend on the specific meaning you want to convey.
How can I improve the clarity of my writing when I'm tempted to use "well working"?
Focus on being specific about the aspect of functionality you want to highlight. For instance, use "efficiently running" if you want to emphasize efficiency, or "operating smoothly" if you want to emphasize the lack of problems.
What is the difference between "well working" and "well-functioning"?
"Well-functioning" is a more widely accepted and idiomatic way to describe something that is working properly. While "well working" might be understood, it's often seen as less polished. Therefore use /s/well+functioning instead of "well working".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested