Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
working term
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "working term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a term or phrase that is currently in use or accepted within a specific context or field. Example: "In our discussions, we often use the working term 'sustainability' to describe our environmental goals."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Wiki
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
In Katiénou, a village north of here, Ibrahim Konaté, an 18-year-old Malian, was in the middle of his second working term in Ivory Coast.
News & Media
This standard wood working term is important to KerfCase's philosophy, as it represents the precision needed to make our wood iPhone cases," said Saks. "Every piece of wood has a story, whether it's a piece of reclaimed flooring, or a beautiful burled wood from a local tree which was damaged in a storm.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
We've had disputes with the government about university funding and tuition fees and over working terms and pensions.
News & Media
The divergence of these tensors gives the configurational forces, moments and work terms in gradient elasticity.
A two-month winter term known as the Field Work Term requires students to participate in off-campus employment.
Encyclopedias
The work term in this expression is zero if an electrostatic complex forms before the ET-process [54].
Both have a short term, working memory and long-term memory for storing data and information.
"This book puts them into working practical terms".
News & Media
He was working in terms of controlling his food, also, with relation to weight.
News & Media
"People have had open marriages for ever … But they never end up working long-term".
News & Media
"That's how we're working in terms of the design for next year," he said.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the "working term", ensure the context is clear to your audience. If it's a technical or field-specific term, provide a brief definition or explanation to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid assuming that a "working term" is common knowledge outside its specific field. Always consider your audience's familiarity with the term and provide necessary context or definitions.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "working term" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify a specific word or phrase that is currently in use or accepted within a particular field or context. As Ludwig explains, it refers to a term currently used in discussions.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
30%
Encyclopedias
20%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "working term" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that identifies a term currently in use within a specific context. While Ludwig identifies it as correct, its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase serves to clarify communication by specifying the vocabulary being used, particularly in professional and academic settings. When incorporating "working term" into your writing, consider your audience's familiarity with the identified term and provide context when necessary. As Ludwig says, there are alternatives like "operational definition" or "current terminology" that can be considered to diversify the language.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
operational definition
Focuses on the practical application and measurability of the term.
current terminology
Emphasizes the term's present usage and acceptance.
accepted phrase
Highlights the general agreement on using the term.
in use term
Highlights that the term is employed or utilized.
practical wording
Emphasizes the usefulness and ease of application of the term.
standard phrasing
Suggests the term is a conventional way of expressing an idea.
employed nomenclature
Highlights the systematic naming convention in use.
utilized expression
Suggests a deliberate choice to use the term.
active lexis
Refers to vocabulary that is currently in active usage.
running designation
Focuses on the term's ongoing and continuous usage.
FAQs
How can I use "working term" in a sentence?
You can use "working term" to refer to a phrase or word that is currently accepted or used within a specific context. For example: "In our team, the "working term" for this process is 'agile methodology'"."
What's a good substitute for "working term"?
Depending on the context, you could use "operational definition", "current terminology", or "accepted phrase" as alternatives.
Is "working term" formal or informal language?
"Working term" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. Its formality depends on the surrounding text, but it's suitable for professional and academic writing.
What does "working term" imply about the phrase it describes?
It implies that the phrase is currently in use, often within a specific group or field, and may be subject to change or refinement over time.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested