work out
B1Neutral, used in formal, informal, and technical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To find a solution or answer through effort; to exercise.
A phrasal verb with multiple senses including: to calculate, to develop satisfactorily, to resolve a problem, or to engage in physical exercise.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can be transitive (work something out) or intransitive (things will work out). The meaning shifts significantly between physical exercise and problem-solving.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use all senses, but 'work out' meaning 'to exercise' is slightly more dominant in American English, especially as a noun ('a workout').
Connotations
In both, the 'resolve' sense implies positive outcome through effort. The 'exercise' sense is neutral.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties. The 'exercise' sense may be marginally more frequent in AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] work out [NP][NP] work out[Clause] work outwork out [wh-clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “work out the kinks”
- “work out for the best”
- “work out one's salvation”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
We need to work out the logistics before launching the product.
Academic
The researcher worked out the implications of the new data.
Everyday
Let's work out a time to meet next week.
Technical
The engineer worked out the stress loads on the bridge.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I couldn't work out the answer.
- They meet at the gym to work out.
- Don't worry, it'll all work out.
American English
- We need to work out a payment plan.
- She works out five days a week.
- I'm sure the details will work out.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I work out at the gym.
- Can you work out 10 + 5?
- We must work out a solution together.
- The couple tried to work out their differences.
- The committee worked out a compromise acceptable to all parties.
- He works out intricate equations in his head.
- The lawyer worked out a complex contractual arrangement.
- Despite initial doubts, the venture worked out profitably.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine solving a math WORK problem OUTside the classroom.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE KNOTS (to be worked out); LIFE IS A JOURNEY (things will work out).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation from Russian 'работать вне' which is incorrect. For 'exercise', do not use 'тренироваться' for the phrasal verb sense of resolving a problem.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'work out' without an object when meaning 'solve' (e.g., 'I need to work out' vs. 'I need to work it out'). Confusing 'work out' with 'figure out' in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence does 'work out' mean 'to exercise'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when it means 'solve' or 'calculate' (e.g., 'work the answer out' or 'work out the answer'). When it means 'exercise' or 'progress successfully', it is not separable.
They are often interchangeable for 'solve', but 'figure out' is more informal and implies a mental process. 'Work out' can imply a more prolonged or physical effort and is used for 'exercise'.
Yes, very commonly (e.g., 'Their marriage didn't work out,' or 'We need to work out our issues.').
'Workout' (one word) refers to an exercise session. 'Working-out' (hyphenated) is less common and refers to the process of solving.