works toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "works toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate efforts or actions aimed at achieving a specific goal or outcome. Example: "The organization works toward improving community health through various initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

OO China Works Toward Kicking Its Coal Habit - coal imports have leveled off as the country becomes a leader in hydro, solar and wind power.

Huffington Post

In the working-backward approach, the problem solver starts at the end and works toward the beginning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The family process works toward sealing off the world.

The New Yorker

Impulse works toward ensuring equal human rights are provided for all particularly women and children.

The New York Times

The story, sour and relentless, works toward a gruesomely unhappy ending.

The New Yorker

Make sure that every employee understands and works toward the mission.9.9

The New York Times

Donald's story works toward a violent ending that Mr. Szymkowicz isn't prepared to deal with.

The New York Times

More than anything we've ever done, this works toward our vision of this as one region".

The New York Times - Sports

How long will the United States stand by while North Korea works toward nuclear proliferation?

The New York Times

The search for funds is still on as the A.U.W. slowly works toward building a larger campus.

The New York Times

He said tax increases should be "off the table" as the committee works toward a late-November deadline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "works toward", ensure the subject is actively involved in the process of achieving the goal. It's not just about having a desire, but about taking concrete steps.

Common error

Avoid using "works toward" when the subject isn't actively contributing to the outcome. For example, instead of saying 'The situation works toward a resolution' say 'Negotiations are working toward a resolution'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "works toward" functions as a prepositional verb phrase, indicating an action directed at achieving a particular outcome. It describes the effort and process involved in moving closer to a specific goal, according to Ludwig, it is correct to use in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "works toward" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of striving for a goal. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct and usable in written English. It's common in various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. Remember to use it when the subject is actively contributing to the desired outcome, avoiding passive constructions. Alternatives like "strives for" or "aims to achieve" can be used for variety. When you use the phrase "works toward" just remember the examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is working towards

Similar meaning, but puts more emphasis on the ongoing action.

strives for

Emphasizes continuous effort and ambition, with a slightly more formal tone.

aims to achieve

Highlights the intention to accomplish something specific.

endeavors to

Conveys a sense of earnest and determined effort, more formal.

is committed to

Indicates a strong dedication and resolve, with a focus on long-term involvement.

pursues

Highlights the active following of a goal or objective. It's more concise and direct.

seeks to attain

Focuses on the desire and effort to gain or reach a particular outcome.

makes progress toward

Highlights the advancement and forward movement in achieving a goal.

advances toward

Similar to "makes progress toward" but focuses more on the steady progression.

dedicates effort to

Emphasizes the commitment of resources and energy to a specific purpose.

FAQs

How do I use "works toward" in a sentence?

Use "works toward" to describe actions taken to achieve a specific goal. For instance, "The team "works toward" improving efficiency through new strategies."

What can I say instead of "works toward"?

You can use alternatives like "strives for", "aims to achieve", or "is working towards" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "work towards" or "works toward"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "work towards" for plural subjects (e.g., "They work towards a common goal") and "works toward" for singular subjects (e.g., "She "works toward" her degree").

What's the difference between "works toward" and "achieves"?

"Works toward" describes the effort and process of moving closer to a goal, while "achieves" indicates the successful completion or attainment of that goal.