worked around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worked around" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe finding a solution to a problem or obstacle by avoiding it or adapting to it. Example: "When the software crashed, we worked around the issue by using a backup system until it was fixed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ball worked around to him again.

The New York Times - Sports

Defects in the block are often worked around by firmware.

Hardware-Firmware Interface Design Best Practices for Improving Embedded Systems Development

I loved that everything worked around that.

Huffington Post

Everything else should be worked around that.

Huffington Post

The very best cops I ever worked around were quiet.

Huffington Post

That way, it really gets worked around and creates tons of volume and absorbs extra oil.

Huffington Post

The Foundation worked around logistical and practical issues of reaching and serving these far-flung places.

FAO

From reading the articles, the authors identified certain salient problem areas, which could be worked around in the future.

BMC Geriatrics

Crews worked around the clock.

The New York Times

We worked around her.

The New York Times

Other colleges worked around the restrictions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worked around" when you want to convey the idea of finding a way to continue despite an obstacle or limitation. It suggests adaptability and resourcefulness in solving problems.

Common error

Avoid using "worked around" in extremely formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language may be preferred. Opt for alternatives like "circumvented" or "bypassed" to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worked around" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe the act of finding a way to bypass or deal with a problem or obstacle without directly confronting it. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts where solutions are devised to circumvent limitations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "worked around" is a useful and versatile phrase that is grammatically correct. It is commonly employed to convey the idea of finding a way to overcome a problem or obstacle without directly confronting it. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent presence in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted for professional or informal settings, as shown by Ludwig's examples. Remember to consider the level of formality when choosing between "worked around" and alternatives such as "circumvented" or "got around".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got around

Similar in meaning but more informal than "worked around".

bypassed

Implies avoiding an obstacle rather than directly confronting it, often suggesting a clever or strategic maneuver.

circumvented

Similar to "bypassed", but often suggests a more formal or complex method of avoidance.

side-stepped

Indicates avoiding something, often cleverly or quickly.

navigated

Implies carefully guiding oneself through a complex situation or set of obstacles.

found a solution to

Focuses on the successful resolution of a problem, emphasizing the discovery of a fix.

overcame

Suggests directly conquering an obstacle, often with effort and determination.

managed to

Highlights the successful completion of a task despite potential difficulties.

dealt with

A more general term for handling a situation, not necessarily implying an obstacle.

addressed

Implies focusing on and taking action to resolve a problem or issue.

FAQs

How can I use "worked around" in a sentence?

You can use "worked around" to describe how a problem was avoided or a solution was found despite difficulties. For example, "They "worked around" the system's limitations by developing a new software patch."

What is a less formal way to say "worked around"?

A less formal alternative to "worked around" is "got around". Both phrases suggest finding a way to deal with or avoid a problem, but "got around" is more conversational.

Is there a more formal alternative to "worked around"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "circumvented" or "bypassed". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing where a higher level of formality is expected.

What's the difference between "worked around" and "overcame"?

"Worked around" implies finding a way to avoid or navigate an obstacle, while "overcame" suggests directly conquering or defeating the obstacle. The choice depends on whether the obstacle was avoided or directly confronted.