"I worked" vs "I did work"

Question

"I worked" vs "I did work"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I did work' is used when emphasizing the completion of a specific task or assignment, while 'I worked' is a more general statement about engaging in work activities.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

This phrase is a simple statement indicating that work was done or that someone was engaged in work activities. It is a more general way of expressing work-related actions.

Examples:

I worked late last night to meet the deadline.
She worked hard to achieve her goals.
He worked as a teacher before becoming a writer.

Alternatives:

I was working.
I put in hours at work.
I was on the job.
I was employed.
I was laboring.

This phrase is used to highlight the action of completing work or a task. It is often used in response to questions about whether work was done.

Examples:

A: Did you finish the report? B: Yes, I did work on it last night.
I did work on the project, but I couldn't complete it in time.
She did work on improving her skills during the summer break.

Alternatives:

I completed the work.
I finished the task.
I did the job.
I carried out the assignment.
I fulfilled my responsibilities.

Answer 1

I worked

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate engaging in work activities in a general sense.

Answer 2

I did work

This phrase is correct and commonly used when emphasizing the completion of a specific task or assignment.

"I worked" vs "I did work"

I worked

I did work

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