worked in

USAGE SUMMARY

"worked in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a job or role someone held in the past. For example, "He worked in the finance department for three years before leaving for a new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I worked in licensing.

The New York Times

Worked in garden.

The New Yorker

Nina worked in Manhattan.

The New Yorker

"I've worked in business.

The New York Times

"Children worked in factories.

The New Yorker

Everything worked in harmony.

The New York Times

I've worked in Europe.

The New York Times

He worked in advertising.

The New York Times

"I worked in obscurity.

The New Yorker

It worked in 1996, too.

The New York Times - Sports

They all worked in midtown.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical contexts, "worked in" can indicate the prevalent industries or conditions of a time. For example, "During the Industrial Revolution, many children worked in factories."

Common error

Ensure the context clarifies the specific role or industry, as "worked in" can be vague without additional information. Instead of "He worked in a company", specify "He worked in the IT department of a tech company."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worked in" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating past employment or activity within a specific field, industry, or location. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worked in" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that signifies past employment, activity, or involvement within a specific field, industry, or location. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across various contexts. It is most frequently found in "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias", demonstrating its suitability for both formal and informal communication. When using "worked in", ensure that the context clearly specifies the area or role to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "was employed in" or "held a position in" can provide a more formal tone when needed. According to Ludwig, the phrase is particularly useful for establishing professional background, describing historical contexts, or highlighting a person's skills and expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was employed in

Formal alternative emphasizing a past employment position.

held a position in

Highlights the formal role or rank within an organization.

functioned within

Focuses on the operational role performed inside a system or structure.

operated in

Implies activity or work being performed within a specific area or field.

served in the capacity of

A formal expression denoting the specific role or duty fulfilled.

was active in

Highlights engagement and participation in a specific field or area.

contributed to

Focuses on the act of making a contribution or adding value within a particular context.

participated in

Emphasizes involvement and taking part in activities within a specific domain.

was involved in

Indicates being connected to or engaged with something, possibly in a working capacity.

undertook work in

Formal alternative indicating the execution of tasks within a specific area.

FAQs

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

Use "worked in" to describe a past job, industry, or field of activity. For example, "She worked in finance before becoming a teacher."

What are some alternatives to saying "worked in"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was employed in", "held a position in", or "operated in" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "I have worked in" or "I worked in"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "I worked in" implies a completed action in the past, while "I have worked in" suggests experience in a field that may still be relevant.

Can "worked in" refer to something other than employment?

Yes, "worked in" can also describe a medium or style used, such as "The artist worked in oils" or "The design worked in a modern style."