en train de travailler sur
The English phrase "working on" is translated into French as en train de travailler sur.
This phrase is used to describe the act of spending time and effort to complete a specific task or project.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase en train de travailler sur literally means "in the train of working on".
Which one should you use?
While en train de travailler sur is used for the continuous progressive sense (e.g., "I am working on"), you should use the simple form travailler sur for a simple statement of fact, such as "I work on this project" (Je travaille sur ce projet).
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this phrase correctly, you must place the verb travailler in its infinitive form immediately after en train de.
Did you know?
- The word travailler has a violent origin, deriving from the Latin word tripālium, which refers to a torture instrument with three stakes. It originally meant to 'toil, suffer, or torment'.
- While en train de travailler sur describes a task, the word travail can also refer to the physical labor of childbirth in French.
- In the phrase en train de, the word train does not refer to a locomotive or a vehicle. It comes from the Old French verb trahiner, meaning 'to pull or drag', describing a continuous process being dragged along.
Examples in context
- Je travaille sur un projet important.I am working on an important project.
- Elle travaille sur sa thèse de doctorat.She is working on her doctoral thesis.
- Nous travaillons sur l'amélioration de nos processus.We are working on improving our processes.
- J'ai bossé toute la journée sur ce projet.I've been working on this project all day.
- Pierre bosse sur son manuscrit.Pierre is working on his manuscript.
- On a bossé sur notre présentation pour demain.We worked on our presentation for tomorrow.
- Je suis en train de faire mes devoirs.I am working on my homework.
- Ils sont en train de rédiger l'article.They are working on writing the article.
- J'ai travaillé sur ce projet.I worked on this project.
- Je vais travailler sur ce projet demain.I am going to work on this project tomorrow.
- Je suis en train de travailler sur un nouveau projet.I am working on a new project.
- Elle est en train de travailler sur son rapport.She is working on her report.
- Nous sommes en train de travailler sur la présentation.We are working on the presentation.
Example conversation
Emma asks Nathan about his current tasks at the office.
- EmmaNathan, tu es occupé ?Nathan, are you busy?
- NathanOui, je suis en train de travailler sur un dossier.Yes, I am working on a file.
- EmmaEst-ce que c'est difficile ?Is it difficult?
- NathanUn peu, mais ça va.A little, but it's okay.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, en, sur, train, travailler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
