work on
HighNeutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
To expend effort trying to improve, repair, develop, or influence something or someone.
A phrasal verb indicating sustained, focused activity directed toward a specific object, task, or goal. It implies a process over time, not a single action.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily transitive. Can take both literal/physical objects ('work on the car') and abstract/conceptual objects ('work on my attitude'). The object is the target of the effort.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal semantic difference. 'Work on' is equally common in both variants. Minor collocational preferences may exist (e.g., 'work on the telly' vs. 'work on the TV').
Connotations
Identical core connotations of effort and process.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] work on [Direct Object][Subject] work on [Direct Object] [Adjunct of time/place]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “work on someone (to persuade)”
- “work on the principle/assumption that...”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common for projects and skill development. 'The team will work on the Q4 strategy.'
Academic
Used for research and writing. 'She is working on her dissertation.'
Everyday
Very common for tasks and self-improvement. 'I need to work on my tennis serve.'
Technical
Used in engineering/software contexts. 'Engineers are working on the bug fix.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I need to work on my pronunciation.
- The mechanic is still working on the lorry.
- Can you work on him to change his mind?
- She's been working on that report for ages.
American English
- I need to work on my pronunciation.
- The mechanic is still working on the truck.
- Can you work on him to change his mind?
- She's been working on that report for a long time.
adverb
British English
- N/A for phrasal verb 'work on'.
American English
- N/A for phrasal verb 'work on'.
adjective
British English
- N/A for phrasal verb 'work on'. The adjective is 'ongoing' or 'in progress'.
American English
- N/A for phrasal verb 'work on'. The adjective is 'ongoing' or 'in progress'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I work on my homework every evening.
- He is working on a picture.
- She works on her computer.
- We need to work on our teamwork.
- The scientists are working on a new vaccine.
- You should work on remembering new vocabulary.
- The negotiators worked on the details of the contract late into the night.
- I've been working on cutting down my caffeine intake.
- His novel is a work-in-progress; he's still working on the final chapters.
- The committee is working on the assumption that funding will be renewed.
- She has been working assiduously on honing her public speaking skills to overcome her glossophobia.
- The diplomat worked tirelessly on his counterparts to build a consensus.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person physically ON top of a task, hammering away at it. The preposition 'on' suggests direct contact with the object of effort.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE SOLID OBJECTS TO BE SHAPED (work on a problem), IMPROVEMENT IS CONSTRUCTION (work on a skill).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'work on' as 'работать на' (which means 'work for' an employer). Use 'работать над' + instrumental case.
Common Mistakes
- *I work on my computer all day. (Ambiguous: could mean repairing it or using it. Use 'work at' or 'work using' for clarity.)
- Confusing 'work on' with 'work out' (solve) or 'work at' (persist in a general activity).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'work on' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is non-separable. You cannot say 'work it on'. The object always comes after 'on'.
'Work on' focuses on a specific object/task you are trying to improve. 'Work at' is more general, meaning to try hard at an activity (e.g., work at a relationship, work at being patient).
Not standardly. 'The laptop works on battery' uses 'on' to mean 'powered by'. The phrasal verb 'work on' means 'apply effort to'.
It is neutral but slightly more common in spoken and informal contexts. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'develop', 'refine', or 'address' might be preferred.