working towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"working towards" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of making progress towards an eventual goal in the future. For example, "She is working towards her degree in environmental science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Were you working towards this?

The New Yorker

We are working towards that".

Independent

We're all working towards 2013".

Independent

We are working towards it.

The New York Times

That is what we're working towards".

Independent

Obviously we keep working towards getting things.

Independent

British officials are working towards this.

Independent

Not what he was working towards".

The New York Times

We have been working towards this day".

The Guardian - Business

It's looking at working towards developing that".

Independent

Everything is working towards long-term recovery.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "working towards" to describe a sustained effort aimed at achieving a specific objective. Ensure the object of the preposition is a concrete goal or a well-defined outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "working towards" with abstract or poorly defined objectives. Clarity in the goal enhances the impact of the phrase and provides context for the effort being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working towards" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating direction or purpose. It describes an ongoing effort or activity aimed at achieving a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working towards" is a very common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe the process of making progress towards a specific goal. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage and versatility. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, the phrase conveys intention and effort. Alternatives such as "striving for" and "aiming for" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using "working towards", ensure the goal is clearly defined to maximize the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striving for

Emphasizes effort and ambition in achieving a goal.

aiming for

Focuses on the intended target or objective.

endeavoring to achieve

Highlights a serious and determined attempt.

making progress toward

Specifically indicates advancement in the direction of a goal.

advancing toward

Suggests a forward movement or development.

moving in the direction of

Implies a general sense of heading towards something.

pushing for

Conveys effort and determination to bring something about.

seeking to attain

Stresses the desire and effort to obtain something.

in pursuit of

Highlights the act of chasing after a specific goal or objective.

dedicated to

Focuses on the commitment and devotion to a particular cause or objective.

FAQs

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

You can use "working towards" to describe the process of making progress towards a specific goal, for example, "The team is working towards completing the project by the end of the month."

What are some alternatives to "working towards"?

Alternatives include "striving for", "aiming for", or "endeavoring to achieve", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "working toward" instead of "working towards"?

Both "working toward" and "working towards" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or regional variation, although "working towards" is slightly more common in British English.

What's the difference between "working towards" and "achieving"?

"Working towards" describes the process of making progress towards a goal, while "achieving" indicates the successful completion or attainment of that goal. You are "working towards" a promotion until you "achieve" it.