works out

Meanings

1. 1phraseintransitive

   Does physical exercise to stay fit or build strength.

   Grammar: No object; often followed by a place: she works out at the gym.

   Patterns

   • works out at somewhere

   She works out at the gym every morning before work.

   He works out three times a week to stay in shape.

   My brother works out with a personal trainer.

2. 2phraseintransitive

   Ends in a good result, or develops successfully as time passes.

   Grammar: No object; the subject is usually a plan or situation: it works out well.

   Patterns

   • something works out well
   • something works out for someone

   Everything usually works out in the end.

   The new schedule works out well for the whole team.

   If the deal works out, we will open a second shop.

3. 3phrasetransitive

   Finds the answer to something or calculates it by thinking carefully.

   Grammar: Takes an object, which can go before or after out: works the answer out.

   Patterns

   • works out something
   • works something out

   She works out the monthly budget on Sundays.

   He works out how much each person owes.

   Mia works the puzzle out faster than anyone.

Common combinations

works out at the gym

He works out at the gym near his office.

works out well

The arrangement works out well for everyone.

works out the cost

The accountant works out the cost of each project.

works out the details

She works out the details before each trip.

works out a plan

The coach works out a plan for the season.

Synonyms and how they differ

exercises

Exercises is more general and can be used in formal writing, whereas works out is the common spoken choice.

calculates

Calculates is narrower and refers only to numbers, while works out can mean solving any problem.

turns out

Turns out describes how events finally appear, while works out suggests a successful outcome.

Opposites

Word family

work out phrasal verb

base form

workout noun

a session of exercise

worked out phrasal verb

past tense

working out phrasal verb

-ing form

Commonly confused: works out or figures out?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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