work to repair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work to repair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts or actions taken to fix or restore something that is broken or damaged. Example: "The team is committed to work to repair the damaged infrastructure after the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are constantly at work to repair copying errors as cells divide.

The Guardian

It has taken a lot of effort and plenty of hard work to repair our image after that.

The Guardian - Sport

The work to repair them and keep the route a living thing is neverending and as ancient as time.

The Guardian - Sport

Highways officials have now indefinitely postponed a nine-week programme of work to repair the damaged road.

The Guardian

She characterized the work to repair the problems as "routine remediation," which she said was "usual in this kind of building or in any other building".

The New York Times

Citing "utmost urgency," Italy has approved work to repair walls in ancient Pompeii that collapsed after heavy rains, and authorised spending €2m (£1.6m) on routine maintenance.

The Guardian

And later still, she failed to do the work to repair the damage of that secret — for fear of being disloyal to the dead".

The New York Times

While this idea still seems true, bone marrow has begun to emerge as a source of general purpose stem cells that work to repair damage wherever it occurs.

The New York Times

He can work to repair strained bonds with crucial voters or he can try to tear down his opponents plausibility as a replacement.

The New York Times

A number of things have happened since Sept. 11 that have got us crossways in the relationship, and we should do major work to repair it".

The New York Times

Indonesia's ambassador to Australia is about to return to Canberra, and he said this comes after sustained work to repair ties severed following last year's spying scandal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work to repair", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being repaired. Be specific about the object of the repair to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "work to repair" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "undertake repairs" or "implement restoration measures" in highly formal or business-related writing for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work to repair" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an infinitive phrase, indicating an action or effort aimed at restoring something to a functional state. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "work to repair" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that describes the effort or process of fixing or restoring something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles. While alternatives like "undertake repairs" may offer a more formal tone, "work to repair" remains a practical and clear choice for conveying the act of mending or restoring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undertake repairs

This alternative replaces "work to" with "undertake", which is a more formal verb, while keeping the focus on the act of repairing.

carry out maintenance

This phrase shifts the focus to maintenance, which includes repair, but also encompasses preventative actions. It's a slightly broader term.

engage in restoration

This alternative is more suitable when the context involves restoring something to its original condition.

perform remedial actions

This option uses more formal and technical language, suitable for professional or academic settings.

fix and mend

This phrase emphasizes the act of fixing and mending, conveying a sense of manual labor or hands-on repair.

restore functionality

Focuses on bringing something back to a working state. Highlights the functional aspect of repair.

rectify the damage

This alternative emphasizes correcting the damage that has occurred.

remedy the situation

This is a broader term that suggests addressing an undesirable situation, which may include repair.

resolve the issue

This phrase focuses on finding a solution to a problem, which may or may not involve physical repair.

tackle the problem

This alternative emphasizes addressing or confronting a problem that needs fixing, which can include damage.

FAQs

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

You can use "work to repair" to describe efforts or actions taken to fix or restore something. For example, "Engineers are working to repair the bridge after the earthquake."

What are some alternatives to "work to repair"?

Some alternatives include "undertake repairs", "carry out maintenance", or "engage in restoration", depending on the specific context.

Is "work to repair" formal or informal?

"Work to repair" is generally considered neutral in tone and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional settings.

What is the difference between "work to repair" and "attempt to repair"?

"Work to repair" implies an active effort or process of repairing, whereas "attempt to repair" suggests an effort to fix something, but without necessarily implying success. The first one is more committal.