work
A1 (One of the most frequent words in English)Neutral (Used in all registers from casual conversation to formal writing)
Definition
Meaning
To perform physical or mental activity in order to achieve a result or earn a living.
To function or operate; to have a desired effect; to shape or manipulate material; to solve a problem; a task or occupation; a product of creative effort.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word covers a vast semantic field from employment to operation to creation. It can be used literally and figuratively. It is one of the most common nouns and verbs in the language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. In the US, 'work' is more commonly used as a mass noun for one's place of employment ('I'm going to work'). In the UK, 'the' is sometimes retained ('I'm going to the work'). The collocation 'works council' is more common in UK business English.
Connotations
Similar. Connotes diligence, effort, and productivity in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely high and comparable frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
work (intransitive)work on something (prepositional)work something (transitive)work as somethingwork for someonework + adverb (work remotely)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “all in a day's work”
- “work your fingers to the bone”
- “have your work cut out for you”
- “make short work of something”
- “work like a charm”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to employment, tasks, projects, and commercial operations. 'We need to streamline our work processes.'
Academic
Refers to research, scholarly output, or theoretical functioning. 'Darwin's seminal work on evolution.'
Everyday
Refers to one's job, chores, or general activity. 'I have a lot of work in the garden this weekend.'
Technical
In physics, it refers to force applied over distance. In computing, it means to function correctly. 'The engine isn't working.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She works for the civil service.
- This old watch still works perfectly.
- He's working on a novel.
American English
- She works for the federal government.
- This old watch still works just fine.
- He's working on a book.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a pure adverb; 'working' is used) He's working from home.
- (In compounds) She's a work-from-home specialist.
American English
- (Rare as a pure adverb; 'working' is used) He's working remotely.
- (In compounds) She's a work-from-home manager.
adjective
British English
- She wore her work clothes to the site.
- We need a work permit for the new employee.
- It's a work-related injury.
American English
- She wore her work clothes to the site.
- We need a work visa for the new hire.
- It's a job-related injury.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I work in a school.
- My father starts work at nine o'clock.
- This phone doesn't work.
- If this plan works, we'll finish early.
- She's been out of work for three months.
- The artist's early work is very different.
- Negotiations are working towards a peaceful resolution.
- The mechanic worked the metal into a new shape.
- The charity does invaluable work in the community.
- The prosecutor worked on the jury's emotions.
- The system works on the principle of compression.
- His latest work is a profound critique of modern society.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a clock: it must WORK to tell the time. No WORK, no time!
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS MONEY / LIFE IS WORK (e.g., 'I've invested a lot of time in this project', 'My work is my life').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'work' to translate 'работать' in the sense of a device simply being 'on'. Use 'is on' or 'is running'.
- Avoid 'works' as a plural for 'jobs'. Use 'jobs' or 'tasks'.
- Do not translate 'работа' (as in place) always as 'work'. Often 'office', 'job', or 'workplace' is better.
Common Mistakes
- He works in a bank (NOT: He works at a bank? - Both are correct).
- My computer doesn't work (NOT: My computer doesn't works).
- I have a lot of work to do (NOT: I have a lot of works to do).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'work' as a noun meaning 'a place of employment'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily uncountable when referring to activity or tasks ('I have a lot of work'). It is countable when referring to artistic/literary creations ('the works of Shakespeare') or engineering/industrial sites ('ironworks').
'Work' is usually uncountable and refers to the activity itself. 'Job' is countable and refers to a specific position of employment or a specific task ('I have three jobs to finish').
Yes. 'The TV isn't working' means it is not functioning correctly. It is a very common usage.
'Work on' a project/task. 'Work at' a place or on improving something. 'Work for' a company/person. 'Work as' a teacher/engineer (stating your role).
Collections
Part of a collection
Daily Routine
A1 · 50 words · Words for describing your everyday activities and schedule.
Work and Jobs
A2 · 49 words · Jobs, professions and the world of work.