work on

Meanings

1. 1phrasetransitive

   To spend time and effort trying to improve, complete, or repair something.

   Grammar: Takes an object: work on your essay. The object usually comes after 'on'.

   Patterns

   • work on something
   • work on doing something

   I need to work on my essay tonight.

   She is working on a new project at the office.

   He worked on his car all weekend.

2. 2phrasetransitive

   To try to influence or persuade someone gradually.

   Grammar: Takes a person as object: work on someone. Often used with 'to' + infinitive.

   Patterns

   • work on someone
   • work on someone to do something

   The salesman tried to work on my father to buy the car.

   She has been working on her boss to get a raise.

Common combinations

work on a project

They are working on a project together.

work on something together

We worked on the presentation together.

work on something for hours

He worked on the puzzle for hours.

work on improving something

She is working on improving her English.

Synonyms and how they differ

tackle

Suggests starting to deal with a problem or task, often with energy.

develop

Used when gradually making something better or more advanced, especially ideas or products.

refine

Means making small changes to improve something that is already mostly finished.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “work on”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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