work through
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle through
Meanings
Complete by working steadily
Why “through”? You start a task and continue until it is completely finished.
“She worked through the whole exam paper.”
“We worked through the checklist before launch.”
Deal with a problem or feelings methodically
“She worked through her grief.”
“He worked through his anger with a counsellor.”
Continue working without stopping for a break
Why “through”? You continue during a hard time until it ends.
“They worked through lunch.”
“She worked through dinner to finish the report.”
Don't confuse with
Work through means complete by working steadily. Work around means find a way past an obstacle.
Test yourself
“She worked through the whole exam paper.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
work around
A contrast learners often mix up
Find a way past an obstacle
battle through
Same through pattern: endurance
Struggle on through to the end of an ordeal
be through
Same through pattern: finishing
Have finished something
break through
Same through pattern: finishing
Cut into a broadcast or transmission; Force a way through an obstacle or barrier; Achieve success after a period of effort
bring through
Same through pattern: endurance
Help someone survive a difficult time
carry through
Same through pattern: finishing
Complete what was promised
come through
Same through pattern: endurance
Survive a difficult or dangerous experience; Do what was expected or hoped for; Arrive at its destination, especially a message, call, or delivery
fall through
Same through pattern: finishing
Fail to happen or be completed
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