Comprehensive Guide to Synonyms for “Worked”
Worked – Definition and Part of Speech
Definition: The term “worked” is primarily used as the past tense and past participle form of the verb “work,” meaning to perform tasks or labor in order to achieve a purpose, often involving physical or mental effort. It can also refer to functioning properly (as in machinery) or being effective.
Part of Speech: Verb
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
Below is a table of synonyms for “worked,” along with brief definitions, example sentences, and the style/register they are most commonly used in:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labored | Implies hard or strenuous effort. | “He labored over the intricate puzzle all evening.” | Formal/Informal |
| Functioned | Suggests proper operation, often used for machinery or systems. | “The engine functioned smoothly on its first test drive.” | Academic/Business |
| Operated | Implies control and management in use. | “She operated the complex software with ease.” | Business/Technical |
| Performed | Used more often in contexts of executing a task or role. | “The artist performed brilliantly at the concert.” | Formal/Academic |
| Toiled | Conveys effort over an extended period, often physically demanding. | “They toiled under the hot sun to finish planting season on time.” | Literary/Creative |
Usage Notes
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Labored: Best used when emphasizing physical or mental strain involved in completing a task. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in casual conversation unless discussing something demanding.
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Functioned: Ideal for technical or business writing where the focus is on machinery, systems, or processes working as intended. It suggests reliability and correctness.
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Operated: This synonym is perfect when describing someone controlling a device or system. It’s commonly seen in business and technical contexts.
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Performed: Used mainly in formal settings to describe executing tasks with skill, especially in arts or service roles. It implies proficiency and often carries an evaluative aspect.
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Toiled: Often found in literary contexts, “toiled” evokes a sense of long hours spent working under challenging conditions. It adds depth and emotion to narrative writing.
Common Pitfalls
When choosing synonyms for “worked,” be mindful of the context:
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Labored vs. Toiled: Though similar, labored suggests difficulty in effort, whereas toiled emphasizes prolonged duration.
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Functioned vs. Operated: Functioning implies automatic operation or inherent ability to work, while operating indicates someone’s involvement.
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Performed: This word may be confused with “acted,” but performed is more general and can apply beyond acting.
Final Recap
In summary, understanding synonyms for “worked” enhances your vocabulary and allows you to express ideas more precisely. Here’s a quick recap:
- Labored emphasizes effort.
- Functioned highlights proper operation.
- Operated suggests active control.
- Performed relates to executing tasks with skill.
- Toiled conveys prolonged hard work.
Experiment with these synonyms in different contexts, such as academic essays, business reports, or creative writing. Try crafting sentences that reflect the nuances of each word to deepen your understanding and improve your expressive range.