saw him at work/doing his work

[diamondcutter]

A long time ago, there was an old man who was very patient. Every day, he sat in front of his house doing the same job. He was patiently sharpening a piece of iron.
One day, his neighbor saw him at work. He asked the man, “What are you doing?” The old man said. “I want to make this iron into a needle.”

Today I read this passage in a document on my computer. I’m sorry I don’t remember the source but I still want to ask a question.
My question is about this sentence.

One day, his neighbor saw him at work.

I think this sentence means “One day, his neighbor saw him doing his work”. Am I right? And I also want to know in this context, which way is more common, “saw him doing his work” or “saw him at work”.

 

[Tarheel]

I saw him at work - I saw him working.

Also, your sentence is clear enough.

 

[jutfrank]

Read this use of at work as something like 'engaged in a task'. A simple one-word substitute would be working.

 

[Tdol]

You are overworking things IMO.