work on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Spend time and effort improving or making something
Why “on”? Sliding forward along the surface. Motion that keeps going on and on.
“She's working on a new novel.”
“He's working on a wooden chair in the shed.”
Don't confuse with
Work on means spend time and effort improving or making something. Work off means get rid of energy or weight through physical activity.
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“She's working on a new novel.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
work off
A contrast learners often mix up
Get rid of energy or weight through physical activity
bring on
Same on pattern: continuation
Cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start; Help someone or something develop or improve
call on
Same on pattern: continuation
Ask someone to do something formally
carry on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue doing something; Behave in a silly, loud or annoying way; Have a romantic affair, often secretly
catch on
Same on pattern: continuation
Become popular or fashionable; Begin to understand something
come on
Same on pattern: continuation
Used to encourage, hurry or challenge someone; Begin to develop, especially an illness or weather; Start working or be turned on; Make progress or improve; Try to start a romantic or sexual relationship with someone; Be broadcast on television or radio
crack on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue working hard, often after a break
drag on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue for too long in a tedious way
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