# work as sth

CEFR A1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/work-as-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

To have a specific job or role. You use this phrase to describe what someone does for a living or what function something has.

For teachers: To be employed in a particular capacity or to function in a specific role. This is a prepositional verb, not a core phrasal verb, as its meaning is literal.

## Examples

- My brother works as a chef.
- She worked as a translator for the government before starting her own business.
- For centuries, the river worked as a natural border between the two kingdoms, shaping their politics and trade.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He works like a doctor." but "He works as a doctor." — Use 'as' to state a person's actual job or function; 'like' is used for comparison or similarity.

## Usage notes

- The object following 'as' is typically a job title, profession, or a functional role.
- Teaching tip: Contrast 'work as' (for a role/profession) with 'work for' (for a company) and 'work with' (for colleagues/tools).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.