Phrasal verb
work on
Meanings
to spend time and effort improving, developing, or completing something
to try to fix or repair something that is not working properly
to try to persuade or influence someone gradually
Definition
To work on something means to spend time and effort improving it or trying to finish it.
When you work on something, you actively put time and effort into it to make progress. This can mean improving a skill, fixing a problem, or developing a project. It often suggests the task is not finished yet and needs continued attention.
Examples
- I need to work on my presentation before tomorrow.
- You should work on your pronunciation a little every day.
- He worked on his bike all weekend, and it finally runs smoothly.
- She is working on a new recipe for the café.
- They worked on their manager for weeks until she agreed to the schedule change.
Common mistake
Learners often say "work in" or "work at" when they mean "work on" a specific task or improvement.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.