works its way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "works its way" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual or persistent movement or progress through a process or situation. Example: "The river slowly works its way through the valley, carving out the landscape over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As it works its way into the fabric, it should displace the lipstick in to the towel underneath.

WikiHow

It follows electric field lines; it works its way into equipment.

Independent

When we show, or tolerate, even subtle disrespect, it works its way all along the chain.

The New York Times

Mercury accumulates as it works its way up the food chain.

The Economist

Its ambition is dazzling as it works its way through Bach's escalating variations on the theme.

The New York Times - Arts

The economy will continue to teeter about as it works its way through the glut of bubble-based technology.

Forbes

It works its way into people's hearts.

Los Angeles Times

And it works its way into everything that you do.

Huffington Post

When hate works its way into a political process, it usually metastasizes right away.

Vice

As the money works its way through the system it raises asset prices around the economy.

The Economist

If that water works its way behind the facade, it can reduce the strongest building to rubble and rust.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "works its way" to describe a gradual process where something incrementally affects or moves through a system or environment.

Common error

Avoid using "works its way" when describing instantaneous actions or events. This phrase implies a process over time, not a single, immediate occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "works its way" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual process or movement. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it describes how something progresses or influences over time. It can describe physical movement (like water) or abstract processes (like policy changes).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "works its way" is a versatile expression used to describe a gradual process of movement, influence, or progression. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "makes its way" and "finds its path" exist, "works its way" specifically emphasizes effort or a continuous action over time. Be mindful to use it when describing a gradual process, and avoid it when describing an immediate action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes its way

Replaces "works" with "makes", emphasizing the action of progressing.

finds its path

Suggests a more deliberate or guided progression.

progresses through

Focuses on the gradual movement through a series of stages.

maneuvers through

Implies navigating obstacles or challenges during progression.

winds its way

Evokes a sense of indirect or circuitous movement.

percolates through

Suggests a gradual spread or diffusion.

filters through

Implies a process of selection or purification during movement.

infiltrates into

Suggests a subtle or gradual penetration.

trickles down

Implies a downward movement, often in a hierarchical system.

permeates into

Focuses on the thorough and pervasive penetration.

FAQs

How can I use "works its way" in a sentence?

You can use "works its way" to describe a gradual process. For example, "The new policy "works its way" through the bureaucracy" or "The water "works its way" into the soil".

What are some alternatives to "works its way"?

Some alternatives to "works its way" include "makes its way", "finds its path", or "progresses through", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "worked its way" instead of "works its way"?

Yes, "worked its way" is the past tense form and is correct when describing something that happened in the past. For example, "The rumor "worked its way" through the office last week".

What's the difference between "works its way" and "finds its way"?

"Works its way" emphasizes effort or a process, while "finds its way" suggests discovery or navigation. For example, "The solution "works its way" through the system" implies effort, while "The lost dog "finds its way" home" suggests navigation.