worked on me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worked on me" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It means that something had an effect or influence on someone. Example: The motivational speech really worked on me and inspired me to work harder.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

But despite my best defenses, "Presidio Med" worked on me.

The New York Times - Magazine

But as I grew older, other things in my life worked on me.

The New York Times

"He and his backroom staff have worked on me one-on-one.

BBC

Of the four doctors who worked on me, not one had mental health screenings in place for their patients, except for asking if I had a history of depression, which I said I did, and that was that.

HuffPost

Three women worked on me at once: I felt like I was getting scalped, and at one point started doing Lamaze breathing exercises.

The New York Times - Travel

But it worked on me.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

To score from a set piece we've worked on makes me very happy.

BBC

Their best songs work on me instantly.

The New Yorker

That won't work on me.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wasn't working on me.

The Guardian - Music

Did you seriously think that would work on me?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worked on me", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who exerted the influence. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "worked on me" when you mean you personally put effort into something. This phrase implies an external force or influence was the primary driver, not your own agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worked on me" functions as a verb phrase expressing the action of an external influence causing a change or effect on the speaker. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates that something or someone has had an impact. This aligns with various examples found in the provided data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worked on me" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that an external influence has had an effect on someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is accurate and easily understood. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it indicates persuasion, emotional impact, or gradual change. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required for specific writing contexts, potentially opting for alternatives like "influenced me" in more formal settings. When employing "worked on me", always ensure that it is clear what exerted the influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had an effect on me

Emphasizes the impact or result of something influencing the speaker.

influenced me

Focuses directly on the act of being swayed or guided by something or someone.

affected me

Highlights the emotional or psychological impact experienced.

had an impact on me

Stresses the significant or notable effect caused.

resonated with me

Suggests a deeper, more personal connection or agreement with something.

made an impression on me

Indicates a memorable or lasting effect.

got through to me

Implies overcoming a barrier to influence or persuade someone.

succeeded in persuading me

Highlights the successful convincing of the speaker.

won me over

Emphasizes the act of being charmed or converted to a particular viewpoint.

had sway over me

Highlights the power or control something had in influencing a decision or feeling.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "worked on me" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "had an effect on me", "influenced me", or "affected me", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "worked on me"?

While "worked on me" is generally acceptable, consider the context. In highly formal or technical writing, more precise language might be preferable. In casual conversation or less formal writing, it is perfectly suitable.

What's the difference between "affected me" and "worked on me"?

"Affected me" often implies a stronger emotional or psychological impact, while "worked on me" can refer to a broader range of influences, including persuasive arguments or gradual changes in opinion.

Can "worked on me" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "worked on me" can be used in a negative context. For example, "The manipulative tactics worked on me, and I made a bad decision" indicates that something undesirable influenced the speaker.