work toward
Strive to achieve a goal
Literally: To do physical or mental effort in the direction of something
In 15 Seconds
- 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.
Meaning
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.
Key Examples
3 of 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.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a cornerstone of the 'American Dream' narrative. It emphasizes individual agency and the belief that persistent effort leads to upward mobility. While the English phrase is used, it aligns with the concept of 'Kaizen' (continuous improvement). However, in Japan, the 'work' is often seen as a collective duty rather than just a personal ambition. In the UK, 'working towards' (with an 's') is the standard. It is often used in a slightly more understated way than in the US, sometimes to imply a long, slow process. Reflects the value of 'Pflichtbewusstsein' (sense of duty). Working toward a goal is seen as a serious commitment that requires a structured plan.
Use the -ing form
If you use a verb after 'toward,' always add -ing. 'Working toward finishing' sounds much better than 'working toward finish.'
Don't over-use 'towards'
While 'towards' is correct, using it too much in American English can sound a bit stiff or British. Stick to 'toward' for a more natural US sound.
In 15 Seconds
- 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.
Usage Notes
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.
Use the -ing form
If you use a verb after 'toward,' always add -ing. 'Working toward finishing' sounds much better than 'working toward finish.'
Don't over-use 'towards'
While 'towards' is correct, using it too much in American English can sound a bit stiff or British. Stick to 'toward' for a more natural US sound.
Job Interview Magic
Use 'work toward' to turn a weakness into a strength. 'I'm working toward improving my public speaking' sounds better than 'I'm bad at public speaking.'
Examples
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.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'work toward'.
She _______ her master's degree for two years now.
The phrase 'for two years now' requires the present perfect continuous tense.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option:
After 'toward', we use the gerund (-ing) form of the verb.
Match the goal with the action of 'working toward' it.
Goal: 'Becoming a doctor'
Working toward a goal involves taking the necessary, direct steps to achieve it.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Are you still taking those night classes? B: Yes, I'm _______ my accounting certification.
'Working toward' is the standard way to describe progress toward a certification.
Use the correct preposition.
The team is working _______ a deadline of Friday afternoon.
When a deadline is a goal you are trying to meet, 'toward' is appropriate.
Identify the most formal usage.
Which sentence is best for a business report?
'Working toward' combined with formal nouns like 'optimization' is perfect for business reports.
🎉 Score: /6
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
6 exercisesShe _______ her master's degree for two years now.
The phrase 'for two years now' requires the present perfect continuous tense.
Choose the best option:
After 'toward', we use the gerund (-ing) form of the verb.
Goal: 'Becoming a doctor'
Working toward a goal involves taking the necessary, direct steps to achieve it.
A: Are you still taking those night classes? B: Yes, I'm _______ my accounting certification.
'Working toward' is the standard way to describe progress toward a certification.
The team is working _______ a deadline of Friday afternoon.
When a deadline is a goal you are trying to meet, 'toward' is appropriate.
Which sentence is best for a business report?
'Working toward' combined with formal nouns like 'optimization' is perfect for business reports.
🎉 Score: /6
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth are correct! 'Toward' is more common in the US, and 'towards' is more common in the UK. They mean exactly the same thing.
You can say 'work to [verb],' like 'I work to support my family.' But for a goal, 'work toward' is more common and natural.
It is neutral. You can use it with your friends, your boss, or in a formal essay.
Usually, no. You work toward a *goal*. If you are moving toward a person, you are just 'walking toward' them.
'Strive for' is much more formal and suggests a very difficult struggle. 'Work toward' is more common for everyday goals.
Usually, we work toward positive goals. You wouldn't say 'I'm working toward failing my exam.'
It's often called a 'prepositional verb' or a collocation. The meaning is very close to the literal words, so it's easy to understand.
Just change 'work' to 'worked.' For example: 'We worked toward that goal all last year.'
Yes! This is one of the most common ways to use the phrase in business and politics.
Not necessarily. It only describes the *effort*. You can work toward something and still fail, but the phrase focuses on the trying.
Related Phrases
strive for
similarTo make a great effort to achieve something.
aim for
similarTo point your efforts at a target.
build toward
builds onTo prepare step-by-step for a climax or major event.
work for
contrastTo be employed by someone.
move toward
similarTo make progress in a direction.
contribute to
similarTo give effort or money to help achieve something.
