working
A1Neutral to formal, depending on context.
Definition
Meaning
Engaged in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose; functioning or operating.
Used to describe something that is in operation, currently functioning, or serves as a practical or interim version.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a present participle/gerund, 'working' inherits verbal meaning ('the act of working'). As an adjective, it describes functionality ('a working model'), preliminary status ('working draft'), or adequacy ('a working knowledge').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. 'Working day' (UK) vs. 'workday' (US) is a common lexical difference. The phrase 'working week' is slightly more frequent in UK English.
Connotations
Largely identical. In technical contexts like 'working group' or 'working hypothesis', no significant difference.
Frequency
Both extremely high frequency, with negligible regional variation in core usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] + be + working + on + [NP/V-ing][NP] + be + working + as + [NP][NP] + be + working + for + [NP][NP] + be + working + with + [NP][NP] + start/stop + workingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “working against the clock”
- “working like a dog”
- “working your fingers to the bone”
- “in working order”
- “working hypothesis”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to operations, schedules, and professional effort: 'The working group will present its findings.'
Academic
Used for provisional concepts: 'She developed a working theory of the phenomenon.'
Everyday
Describes employment and basic functionality: 'Is the washing machine working?' or 'I'm working tomorrow.'
Technical
Describes operational status or practical models: 'The engine is now working at peak efficiency.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She is working from home this week.
- They have been working on the project for months.
- He was working in the garden when it started to rain.
American English
- She's working remotely today.
- They've been working on the project for months.
- He was working in the yard when it started to rain.
adverb
British English
- She's a hard-working student.
- They are fast-working professionals.
American English
- She's a hard-working student.
- They are fast-working professionals.
adjective
British English
- We need a working solution by Friday.
- She has a working knowledge of French.
- The lift is in working order.
American English
- We need a working solution by Friday.
- She has a working knowledge of French.
- The elevator is in working order.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I am working in an office.
- My father is working today.
- Is your phone working?
- She is working on a new design for the website.
- We have a good working relationship with our clients.
- The mechanic checked that all parts were working correctly.
- Despite the technical issues, the team managed to produce a working prototype.
- His working hypothesis was later confirmed by the data.
- Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for working parents.
- The committee established a working group to draft the initial proposal.
- Her working assumption that the market would remain stable proved to be erroneous.
- The agreement is based on a set of working principles developed over several years.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a clock with its hands MOVING – it is WORK-ING, actively doing its job.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS WORK; A FUNCTIONING SYSTEM IS A WORKING BODY (e.g., 'The economy is working smoothly').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'working' as 'рабочий' in every context (e.g., 'working mother' is 'мать, которая работает', not 'рабочая мать').
- The adjective 'working' in 'a working knowledge' does not mean 'трудящийся', but 'практический, достаточный'.
- Beware of false cognates: 'working out' often means exercising, not просто 'выработка'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I am working like a teacher.' (Correct: 'I am working as a teacher.')
- Incorrect: 'He is working in a lawyer.' (Correct: 'He is working as a lawyer.' or 'He works for a law firm.')
- Confusing 'work' (noun) with 'working' (adj/verb form).
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'a working lunch', what does 'working' primarily imply?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. As a present participle ('I am working'), it's verb-related. As a descriptor ('a working model'), it's an adjective.
'Work' is primarily a noun or the base form of the verb. 'Working' is the continuous form of the verb or an adjective describing something that functions.
Yes, common patterns include 'working for' (a company), 'working with' (people/tools), 'working as' (a role), and 'working in' (a field/place).
It means a state in which a machine or system functions correctly and is ready for use.