working on

USAGE SUMMARY

"working on" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is actively focusing on a particular task, especially in a context involving progress or development. For example, you might say, "We've been working on a new project for the past month".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're working on plans….

The New Yorker

I'm working on that".

The New York Times - Sports

They're working on it.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm working on Leno.

The New Yorker

He's working on it.

The New York Times

We're working on this".

The New Yorker

I'm working on you".

The New Yorker

Am working on Gogol.

The New Yorker

I'm working on Schumann".

The New York Times

"I'm working on it".

The New York Times

We're working on it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "working on" to convey active engagement and progress towards a specific goal or task. It implies a continuous effort rather than a completed action.

Common error

While "working on" is versatile, avoid using it as a vague placeholder without specifying the task or goal. Provide context to clarify what you are "working on" for better clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working on" functions as a present participle verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action or process. It describes a continuous effort being applied to a specific task or project, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "working on" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate active engagement with a task or project. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English, highlighting its function as a present participle verb phrase that conveys progress and ongoing effort. With a neutral register, "working on" is appropriate for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, as supported by Ludwig's extensive examples. While highly adaptable, it's important to provide clear context to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. Ultimately, "working on" is a valuable tool for effectively communicating about ongoing endeavors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaged in

Emphasizes active involvement or participation in a task.

involved in

Highlights inclusion or connection with something.

focused on

Stresses concentration and attention towards a specific goal.

dedicated to

Implies commitment and investment of time and energy.

occupied with

Suggests being busy or preoccupied with something.

endeavoring to

Highlights an attempt or effort to achieve something.

striving for

Emphasizes the pursuit of a goal with effort and determination.

tackling

Indicates directly addressing or dealing with a problem or task.

handling

Implies managing or dealing with something effectively.

managing

Highlights the act of controlling or organizing a task or project.

FAQs

How can I use "working on" in a sentence?

You can use "working on" to describe ongoing tasks or projects. For example, "I am working on a new marketing strategy", or "The team is working on improving customer satisfaction".

What's the difference between "working on" and "working at"?

"Working on" refers to a task or project in progress, while "working at" typically refers to a place of employment.

What can I say instead of "working on"?

You can use alternatives like "engaged in", "focused on", or "involved in" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I'm working on it"?

Yes, "I'm working on it" is a perfectly correct and common way to indicate that you are currently addressing or dealing with a particular task or issue.