# work for sb/sth

CEFR A1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

To have a job at a company or to be employed by a person.

For teachers: To be in the employment of a specific person, company, or organization. This is a prepositional verb where 'for' introduces the employer.

## Examples

- He works for a large software company.
- After university, she began working for a non-profit organization that helps the homeless.
- The engineer, who had previously worked for a major aerospace contractor, brought a wealth of specialized knowledge to the small startup.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She works at the government." but "She works for the government." — Use 'for' to name the employer; 'at' is typically used for the specific location (e.g., 'work at the main office').

## Usage notes

- The object following 'for' is the employer, which can be a person, company, or organization.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'work on' (a project), 'work with' (colleagues), and 'work as' (a job title, e.g., 'work as a designer').

---

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.