Work on meaning
Work on means to spend time making or improving something. It can also mean to try to persuade someone to agree or do something.
work on something
work on · worked · working
I’m working on a new song at the moment.
Work on meanings and examples
2 meanings, each with its own CEFR level from Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries and the Cambridge Dictionary.
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1
Spend time making or improving something
work on something
- I’m working on a new song at the moment.
- You need to work on your pronunciation.
- What project are you working on this week?
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2
Try to persuade someone to agree or do something
work on somebody
- Dad says no to the dog, but I’m working on him.
- Keep working on your boss. She might change her mind.
- We worked on Grandma until she agreed to come.
Café orders
New friends
At the airport
Slova
Use work on in real conversations
- Learn new words with picture cards
- Talk with Felix, an AI tutor, about the things you love
- Short lessons at your level, a few minutes a day
Is work on separable?
Work on is not separable. The thing comes after on: work on the report, work on it. In questions, on goes to the end: What are you working on?
It is very common in the continuous form for jobs in progress: We’re working on it, meaning the problem is not fixed yet but someone is trying.
Verb tenses for work on
| Present | I work on · she works on |
|---|---|
| Past | worked on |
| Present perfect | have worked on |
| -ing form | working on |
Common mistakes with work on
What learners often say, and what to say instead.
Wrong: I need to work my English on.
Right: I need to work on my English.
Work on is not separable. The thing goes after on.
Wrong: What are you working at now? A new app?
Right: What are you working on now? A new app?
For a project, use on. Work at is for a place: work at a bank.
Wrong: I’m working on to fix the bug.
Right: I’m working on fixing the bug.
After on, use -ing, not to + verb.
Synonyms and opposites of work on
Words close to it, and words that mean the opposite.
Similar
- practisedo something again and again to improve (US: practice)
- improvemake something better
- focus ongive most of your attention to one thing
Opposite
- neglectnot give enough attention to something
- give upstop trying
Work on quiz
Three quick questions. Pick an answer to see if it is right and why.
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1My writing is good, but I need to ___ my speaking.
Work on means spend time improving something.
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2Choose the right sentence.
In a question, on goes to the end.
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3“Mum still says no, but I’m working on her.” What does the speaker mean?
Work on someone means try to persuade them.
More phrasal verbs with work
4 phrasal verbs start with work. Test yourself on all of them in a few minutes.
Work on FAQ
Questions people ask about work on.
What does we’re working on it mean?
It means a problem is not fixed yet, but someone is trying to fix it now. Companies often say it to customers.
Work on vs work at: what is the difference?
Work at a place: I work at a hospital. Work on a task: I’m working on a report. Work at can also mean try hard: work at your English.
Is work on followed by -ing?
Yes, with a verb: I’m working on getting fitter. You can also use a noun: I’m working on my fitness.
Use work on in real conversations
In Slova you learn new words with picture cards, then use them when you talk about the things you love. A few minutes a day, at your level.