work on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Spend time and effort improving or making something
Why “on”? An action, event, state, or path continues or moves to a later point.
“Maya worked on her course project at a cafe after lunch.”
“He's working on a wooden chair in the shed.”
Common mistake
I'm working on improve my English.
I'm working on improving my English.
After work on, use the -ing form.
Natural collocations
The word partners “work on” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
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.
Test yourself
“Maya worked on her course project at a cafe after lunch.” 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
Use energy or lose 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
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; Show romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a direct way; 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
drone on
Same on pattern: continuation
Talk for a long time in a boring, monotonous voice
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