works on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "works on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is engaged in a task, project, or area of study. Example: "She works on developing new software applications for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This works on long bangs or fringes.

WikiHow

This even works on long car trips.

WikiHow

Also works on windows 2000 and up.

WikiHow

It works on her.

The New York Times

Works on PATH, too.

The New York Times

"Works on citizens.

The New York Times

That only works on TV.

The New York Times

(c) "It works on Cher".

The New Yorker

A painter works on "canvases".

The New York Times

RoadAhead works on Interstates only.

The New York Times - Travel

It works on many levels.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "works on", ensure the preposition "on" is appropriate for the context. It generally refers to exerting effort towards a tangible object, project, or problem. For abstract concepts, consider alternatives like "focuses on".

Common error

Avoid using "works on" when you mean to convey a general state of employment. "Works at" or "works for" are more appropriate when referring to an employer or place of work. For example, say "She works at the hospital", not "She works on the hospital".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "works on" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating action or effort directed towards a specific task, project, or subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to express engagement in activities. Examples from Ludwig include "He works on himself, tinkering" and "She works on health care reform policy".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science & Research

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "works on" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to describe active engagement with a task, project, or subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It is found across various contexts, particularly in news and media and wiki-based sources. When using "works on", ensure the preposition "on" is appropriate, and consider the nuances of alternative phrases like "focuses on" or "is involved in" to precisely convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focuses on

Emphasizes a concentration of effort or attention, rather than simply working on something.

is engaged in

Similar to 'is involved in', but may suggest a more active or direct participation.

is involved in

Highlights participation or engagement in a project or activity, rather than direct effort.

is active on

Suggests engagement or involvement on a particular field or platform, implying activity.

is dedicated to

Indicates a strong commitment or devotion to a task or cause, adding a layer of passion.

is occupied with

Suggests that time and attention are being consumed by the subject, implying a busyness.

is toiling on

Indicates prolonged and possibly arduous effort, suggesting hard and continuous work.

labors at

Implies hard work or difficulty in achieving the desired outcome, often used when the task is challenging.

exerts effort on

Highlights the expenditure of energy or force to accomplish a task.

endeavors to

Suggests an attempt to achieve a specific goal, with a hint of formality.

FAQs

How can I use "works on" in a sentence?

Use "works on" to describe actively engaging with a task, project, or subject. For example, "He works on improving his communication skills" or "She works on the design team".

What can I say instead of "works on"?

You can use alternatives like "focuses on", "is involved in", or "is dedicated to" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "works on a project" or "works in a project"?

"Works on a project" is correct. "Works in a project" implies being situated within a project, while "works on a project" implies actively contributing effort to it.

What's the difference between "works on" and "collaborates on"?

"Works on" indicates individual effort, while "collaborates on" implies working jointly with others. For example, "He works on the engine alone" versus "He collaborates on the project with a team".