work at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a job someone is doing or something they are working to achieve. For example, "I am working at becoming a better athlete this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I work at a deli.

The New York Times - Magazine

Others work at looking busy.

The Economist

"They work at the hospital.

The New Yorker

"Where do you work at?

The New Yorker

I work at this hotel.

The New York Times

Does Buster work at home?

The New Yorker

I couldn't work at all".

The New York Times

Seventy people work at Noma.

The New Yorker

"It doesn't work at all.

Independent

The earpiece will work at all venues.

Independent

That didn't work at any level.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work at", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a place of employment or the act of making an effort towards something. For example, "I work at a hospital" versus "I need to work at improving my communication skills."

Common error

Avoid using "work at" when a more specific verb would be clearer. For instance, instead of saying "I work at fixing computers", consider "I repair computers". This improves clarity and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work at" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating either employment at a location or sustained effort towards a goal. Ludwig highlights its versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work at" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe both employment and sustained effort. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While highly frequent in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, it's crucial to ensure clarity by using more specific verbs when appropriate. Remember to differentiate between referring to a place of employment versus indicating effort towards a goal. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "work at" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put effort into

Emphasizes the exertion and energy invested in a task.

be employed at

Focuses more directly on the state of employment at a specific place.

apply oneself to

Suggests a conscious and deliberate effort to engage with a task.

dedicate oneself to

Emphasizes commitment and devotion to a particular task or cause.

concentrate on

Highlights the mental focus and attention directed towards something.

be stationed at

Implies a designated place of work, often used in military or similar contexts.

focus one's efforts on

Highlights the concentration and dedication of effort towards a specific goal.

be laboring at

Emphasizes the physical or strenuous nature of the work.

endeavor to

Implies a serious and determined attempt to achieve something.

toil at

Conveys a sense of prolonged and arduous effort.

FAQs

How can I use "work at" in a sentence?

You can use "work at" to describe your place of employment, as in "I "work at" a local school". Alternatively, you can use it to indicate effort towards a goal, such as "I need to "work at" being more patient".

What are some alternatives to "work at" when referring to a job?

When referring to a job, you could use phrases like "be employed at", "be stationed at" or "have a job at".

Is it better to say "work at" or "work on"?

While both are correct, "work at" usually implies a place of employment or a continuous effort, whereas "work on" typically refers to a specific project or task. For example, "I "work at" a bank", versus "I'm working on a new project".

When should I use "working at" instead of "work at"?

Use "working at" when referring to an ongoing action, such as "I am "working at" improving my French". Use "work at" in general statements, like "I "work at" a technology company".