working on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working on something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of engaging in a task, project, or activity that requires effort or attention. Example: "I am currently working on something important that requires my full concentration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If you're the only one working on something, you'll never be sure if you're right or wrong.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

"It's good to be working on something positive," one of them, Karima Aboul Nour, said.

Independent

"I'm never in one place, and if I'm not working on something, I'm thinking of working on something".

The Guardian

Are you currently working on something new?

The New York Times

Is Google working on something similar?

MIT Technology Review

I'm working on something completely different.

The Guardian - Music

We are working on something, though.

The Guardian - Tech

Oh yeah, we're working on something now.

The Guardian

We're working on something like that.

The Guardian - Film

"We knew he was working on something important.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mendes indicated a desire to work on something fresh.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "working on something" when you want to convey that effort is being put into a task, but you don't necessarily need to specify the details of the task. It's a versatile phrase that works in many contexts.

Common error

While "working on something" is widely understood, it can be too vague for formal reports or academic papers. In those cases, provide specific details about the project or task you're undertaking for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working on something" functions as a verb phrase indicating ongoing activity or effort. It is commonly used to describe a current project or task, as shown by Ludwig's numerous examples. It generally works as a statement of intent or current engagement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "working on something" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate ongoing activity or effort. As noted by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, suggesting a neutral tone suitable for general communication. While it is acceptable for informal and professional settings, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts where specific details are preferred. Alternatives such as "engaged in a project" or "involved in an activity" can provide a more precise description, depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

busy with a project

Stresses the state of being actively engaged.

engaged in a project

Focuses on the structured and planned aspect of the activity.

involved in an activity

Highlights participation and interaction with the task.

occupied with a task

Emphasizes the time and attention the task requires.

developing an initiative

Suggests a proactive and creative effort.

undertaking an endeavor

Implies a significant and possibly challenging effort.

pursuing a goal

Highlights the objective-driven nature of the work.

active in a field

Focuses on broader engagement within a specific area.

handling a responsibility

Emphasizes the duty and accountability involved.

addressing a challenge

Highlights the problem-solving aspect of the work.

FAQs

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

You can use "working on something" to indicate that you are currently engaged in a task or project. For example, "I'm currently working on something that will be released next quarter".

What can I say instead of "working on something"?

You can use alternatives like "engaged in a project", "involved in an activity", or "occupied with a task" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "working on something" in a professional email?

Yes, it is generally acceptable in a professional email, especially when you want to be concise. However, for more formal communication, consider providing more specific details about what you are working on.

What's the difference between "working on something" and "working towards something"?

"Working on something" implies active engagement in a task, while "working towards something" suggests making progress towards a specific goal. The former is more about the activity itself, while the latter is about the end result.