work toward
يعمل نحو
Wörtlich: To do physical or mental effort in the direction of something
Use `work toward` to show you are actively making progress on a long-term goal.
In 15 Sekunden
- Making steady progress toward a specific future goal or result.
- Used for long-term projects, personal growth, or professional milestones.
- Implies the process is just as important as the destination.
Bedeutung
This phrase means you are putting in effort over time to reach a specific goal. It suggests that you haven't reached the finish line yet, but you are moving in the right direction.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Discussing career goals
I am working toward a management position by taking leadership courses.
I am working toward a management position by taking leadership courses.
Talking about health
We are both working toward running a marathon by the end of the year.
We are both working toward running a marathon by the end of the year.
In a formal meeting
The committee is working toward a resolution that satisfies all parties.
The committee is working toward a resolution that satisfies all parties.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This phrase is deeply rooted in the 'Protestant work ethic' common in Western cultures, emphasizing that steady, incremental effort leads to success. It became a staple of corporate 'corporate-speak' in the 1990s during the rise of goal-setting frameworks like SMART goals.
The 'S' Factor
Don't stress about `toward` vs `towards`. Americans usually drop the 's', while Brits keep it. Both are 100% correct globally!
Don't use for 'Instant' tasks
Avoid saying 'I am working toward opening the door.' It sounds like the door is a 5-year project. Use it only for things that take time.
In 15 Sekunden
- Making steady progress toward a specific future goal or result.
- Used for long-term projects, personal growth, or professional milestones.
- Implies the process is just as important as the destination.
What It Means
Work toward is all about the journey. It implies a process rather than a quick fix. When you use this, you are saying, "I have a goal, and I am taking steps to get there." It is more active than just wishing for something. It shows dedication and a steady pace. Think of it like climbing a mountain. You aren't at the top yet, but every step counts.
How To Use It
You usually follow this phrase with a noun or a gerund (an -ing verb). For example, you can work toward a promotion or work toward finishing a book. It is very flexible. You can use it for big life dreams or small weekend projects. It sounds positive and determined. It tells people you have a plan and you are following it.
When To Use It
Use it in job interviews to show you are ambitious. Use it with friends when talking about your fitness goals. It is perfect for performance reviews at work. You can also use it in relationships. For instance, a couple might work toward better communication. It fits anywhere you want to describe progress. It’s the ultimate "growth mindset" phrase for your daily life.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that happen instantly. You don't work toward turning on a light bulb. Avoid using it for things you have no control over. You can't work toward it being sunny tomorrow. Also, if you’ve already finished the task, don't use it. It’s strictly for things that are still "in progress." Using it for a finished task makes you sound a bit confused!
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, especially in the US and UK, there is a big focus on "self-improvement." People love the idea of a "work in progress." This phrase reflects that value. It suggests that hard work is a virtue. It’s often used in motivational speeches and self-help books. It sounds much more humble than saying "I will get this." It shows you respect the effort required.
Common Variations
You might hear people say work towards with an 's' at the end. In British English, towards is more common. In American English, toward is the standard. Both are perfectly fine! You might also hear strive for or aim for. However, work toward sounds more practical. It implies you are actually doing the heavy lifting, not just dreaming.
Nutzungshinweise
This is a very safe, neutral phrase that works in almost any context. Just remember to use a noun or an -ing verb after 'toward' to keep your grammar perfect.
The 'S' Factor
Don't stress about `toward` vs `towards`. Americans usually drop the 's', while Brits keep it. Both are 100% correct globally!
Don't use for 'Instant' tasks
Avoid saying 'I am working toward opening the door.' It sounds like the door is a 5-year project. Use it only for things that take time.
The Interview Secret
In Western job interviews, saying 'I am working toward [skill]' is better than saying 'I don't know [skill].' It shows you are proactive!
Beispiele
6I am working toward a management position by taking leadership courses.
I am working toward a management position by taking leadership courses.
Shows professional ambition and a clear plan.
We are both working toward running a marathon by the end of the year.
We are both working toward running a marathon by the end of the year.
Focuses on a shared physical challenge.
The committee is working toward a resolution that satisfies all parties.
The committee is working toward a resolution that satisfies all parties.
Used to describe a collaborative process in a serious setting.
Finally working toward my dream of owning a tiny house!
Finally working toward my dream of owning a tiny house!
Expresses excitement about a personal project.
I'm currently working toward my goal of napping for three hours straight.
I'm currently working toward my goal of napping for three hours straight.
Uses a serious phrase for a silly, non-serious goal.
We really need to work toward trusting each other again.
We really need to work toward trusting each other again.
Deals with emotional labor and healing.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct preposition to complete the goal-oriented phrase.
She has been saving money because she is working ___ buying a new car.
We use `toward` to indicate the goal or direction of the effort.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb.
They are ___ toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
The present continuous 'are working' is used here to show an ongoing process.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of 'Work Toward'
Used with friends for personal habits.
Working toward eating less junk food.
Standard daily use for various goals.
I'm working toward my degree.
Used in business reports or diplomacy.
Nations are working toward a peace treaty.
Where to use 'Work Toward'
Career
Getting a promotion
Education
Graduating college
Relationships
Building trust
Health
Losing weight
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot necessarily. It describes the effort and the process, but it doesn't guarantee the final result. It just shows you are trying your best.
Usually, no. It has a positive, constructive connotation. You wouldn't say you are working toward a cold; you'd just say you are 'getting' one.
Yes! Work on focuses on the task itself (e.g., work on a car), while work toward focuses on the end goal (e.g., work toward a finished repair).
Absolutely. It is a very professional way to describe your current projects or professional development goals.
No, you usually work toward a goal or a state of being. You don't work toward a person unless you mean reaching them physically, which is rare.
There is no difference in meaning. Toward is more common in American English, and towards is more common in British English.
Yes, you can say we worked toward a solution for months. It implies you were making effort in the past.
It can be anything that requires multiple steps. Even working toward a clean house is fine if the house is very messy!
Very often! Teams work toward a championship all season long. It emphasizes the training and strategy involved.
No, that's a common mistake. Use a noun or an -ing verb. Say work toward winning, not work toward to win.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Strive for (to try very hard to achieve something)
Aim for (to point your efforts at a specific target)
Make progress (to move forward in a process)
Eye the prize (to stay focused on the final goal)
In pursuit of (actively following or seeking a goal)
Kommentare (0)
Zum Kommentieren AnmeldenStarte kostenlos mit dem Sprachenlernen
Kostenlos Loslegen