working it out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working it out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of resolving a problem or finding a solution to a situation. Example: "After several discussions, we are finally working it out and coming to an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm still kind of working it out".

The New York Times

We are still working it out".

The New York Times

"Not working it out is not acceptable to anyone.

The New York Times

There they were, working it out, on television.

The New York Times

"Otherwise we would have dragged on for ages working it out".

The Economist

"But I'm still working it out," she added, regarding her vote.

The New York Times

They could be in rehearsal, laughing and working it out as they go.

Independent

"And she spent her whole life working it out for our sakes.

The Guardian - Books

For them, working it out has meant couples therapy at times.

The New York Times - Food

(To save you the sweat of working it out, that equals £2.99 a bottle).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was very much a case of working it out for yourself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "working it out" when you want to describe a process of resolving a complex issue through communication, effort, or problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid using "working it out" when a simpler, more direct verb like "solving" or "fixing" would be more appropriate for straightforward problems. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working it out" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun within a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working it out" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that describes the process of resolving issues, understanding situations, or reaching agreements. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the specific situation and audience when choosing between "working it out" and more formal alternatives. Understanding the potential errors and best practices can further refine your writing and ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolving the issue

Focuses more on the act of solving a specific problem.

figuring things out

Emphasizes the cognitive aspect of understanding or finding a solution.

ironing out the details

Suggests resolving minor discrepancies or finalizing arrangements.

sorting things out

Implies organizing or clarifying a situation to resolve confusion.

hammering out an agreement

Highlights the effort involved in reaching a compromise or settlement.

coming to terms with

Focuses on accepting or adapting to a difficult situation.

dealing with the problem

Directly addresses the act of handling an issue or challenge.

addressing the situation

Emphasizes taking action to manage or improve a particular circumstance.

finding a solution

Highlights the search for a resolution to a problem.

getting to the bottom of it

Suggests uncovering the true cause or nature of a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "working it out" in a sentence?

You can use "working it out" to describe the process of resolving a problem, understanding a situation, or developing a plan. For example: "The couple is "working it out" without calling in the lawyers."

What can I say instead of "working it out"?

Alternatives include "resolving the issue", "figuring things out", or "sorting things out" depending on the specific context.

Is "working it out" formal or informal?

"Working it out" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and professional settings, though more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "working it out" and "solving the problem"?

"Working it out" often implies a process involving multiple steps, communication, or negotiation. "Solving the problem", on the other hand, suggests a more direct and immediate resolution. For instance, you might say "We are "working it out" with our supplier to reduce costs" but "We solved the problem by switching suppliers".