work

/wɝk/5 phrasal verbs

The plain verb means to labour, or to function.

Work out covers three unrelated things — exercise at the gym, solve a problem, and (of a situation) end well. All three share the sense of effort producing a result.

Keep it apart from work on (improve gradually through effort), which takes an object and never means exercise.

Side by side

Every WORK phrasal verb, with the one line that keeps it apart from its siblings. Tap any one to open it.

Phrasal verb	Means	How to remember it
work outBoth3 meanings	exercise; solve a problem; end well	OUT = the answer or the result emerges.
work onInseparable	improve something through sustained effort	ON = continuous contact with the task.
work throughInseparable	deal with something difficult step by step	THROUGH = every stage, in order.
work upSeparable2 meanings	develop gradually; make yourself excited or anxious	UP = build it to a higher level.
work offSeparable	get rid of by working — weight, energy, a debt	OFF = it comes away through effort.

Phrasal verbs with WORK — what each one means