working strictly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working strictly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is adhering closely to rules, guidelines, or a specific method in their work. Example: "In this project, we are working strictly within the budget constraints to ensure financial accountability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The action will see a removal of "pilot goodwill", with pilots who are members of the PPU working strictly to their contracts.

The Guardian

Wielding brushes, Thomas eschewed the group's signal technique of working strictly with stains of liquid paint on raw canvas, proving it inessential to an ordered glory of plangent hues.

The New Yorker

Filippetti offered Baldassari a lesser role, working strictly as a curator, so that she could stay on and organise the opening show – an idea, I was told, that had been endorsed by Laurent Le Bon, who was chosen to replace Baldassari as president.

The Guardian - Arts

He spent the first 15 years or so working strictly with farmers to help them hedge their exposure in the grain and livestock markets.

Forbes

"[S]taff at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation CSIROO) could start skipping meetings with managers and ignoring their phone messages, refusing to fill in time sheets, and working strictly to specified hours".

Science Magazine

Barring a breakthrough in negotiations over a new employment agreement at a meeting on 29 April, staff at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation CSIROO) could start skipping meetings with managers and ignoring their phone messages, refusing to fill in time sheets, and working strictly to specified hours.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Someone else cited an artist who worked strictly for herself.

The Economist

Clay Ketter, included in the Philadelphia show, works strictly with what he knows.

The New York Times

Leigh works strictly on a need-to-know basis, with actors knowing only what their characters do, no more.

Independent

Mr. Ford is a rapper, pure and true, but one who works strictly in familiar country music modes.

The New York Times - Arts

Williams can seem to work strictly for circles of educated initiates, while Koons endeavors to please practically everybody.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing adherence to rules or protocols, use "working strictly" to emphasize a commitment to precision and compliance. For example, "The team is working strictly according to the safety guidelines".

Common error

While "working strictly" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in very informal settings where more relaxed phrasing might be appropriate. Opt for alternatives like "closely following" or "keeping to" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working strictly" functions as a verb phrase modified by an adverb, indicating the manner in which work is being performed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working strictly" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe adherence to rules, guidelines, or contracts. As per Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, consider the level of formality required and choose alternatives like "following precisely" or "adhering rigidly" for different nuances. Be mindful of the specific context and avoid overuse in very informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following precisely

This alternative highlights the accurate and exact nature of the adherence.

remaining within guidelines

This alternative emphasizes staying inside specific established guidelines or recommendations.

adhering rigidly

This alternative emphasizes a more inflexible and unwavering adherence.

keeping to specifications

This phrase highlights following detailed requirements and standards closely.

functioning by the book

This option implies following established rules and procedures meticulously.

acting in full compliance

This option indicates acting according to rules, laws, or regulations.

conducting with precision

This suggests that actions are performed with a high degree of accuracy and exactness.

operating under tight constraints

This alternative focuses on the limited freedom and strict boundaries.

sticking to the plan

This phrase puts more emphasis on following a predetermined plan or strategy without deviation.

staying within the limits

This option stresses remaining inside pre-defined boundaries or regulations.

FAQs

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

You can use "working strictly" to describe adherence to rules, contracts, or methods. For example, "The pilots are "working strictly to their contracts"" or "The lab is "working strictly under the fume hood"".

What are some alternatives to "working strictly"?

Some alternatives include "following precisely", "adhering rigidly", or "operating under tight constraints", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "working strictly" or "strictly working"?

"Working strictly" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Strictly working" can sound awkward and is less frequently used.

What does it mean when employees are "working strictly to contract"?

When employees are "working strictly to contract", it means they are only performing the duties explicitly stated in their employment agreements, often as a form of industrial action. They avoid any extra or voluntary tasks.