work everything out

USAGE SUMMARY

"work everything out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to figuring something out or solving a problem. For example, "Let's take some time to work everything out before deciding how to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"It buys time to work everything out," Mr. Laidler said.

The New York Times

We tried to work everything out; we didn't lower the price then.

The New York Times

"Chances are, I'll probably never see you folks again; you'll work everything out," he said, laughing.

The New Yorker

So you work everything out, and check everything before you set out.

The Guardian - Arts

Expanding on his critique of Mr. Obama while speaking with reporters aboard his campaign bus on Tuesday, Mr. McCain repeatedly voiced skepticism at what he described as the "school of thought" that urges, "Let's sit down and talk, and we can work everything out," arguing such efforts had repeatedly failed in history.

The New York Times

Bottom line: You probably won't be able to work everything out in advance.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

We worked everything out together.

The Guardian

"We sat down with the donor and worked everything out," Oskana says.

Independent

"I think just talking and working everything out will work the best".

The New York Times

"I just felt it in my heart that it always looks worse and that God always works everything out for the best".

The New York Times

When you were working everything out in your head, were you just sitting on the bus, thinking about it?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work everything out" when you want to emphasize a process of solving problems or coming to a mutual understanding. It often implies a collaborative or thoughtful approach.

Common error

While "work everything out" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated terms like "resolve", "determine", or "ascertain" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work everything out" functions as a phrasal verb. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe the process of resolving problems or finding solutions. It often implies a deliberate and thoughtful approach to addressing challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work everything out" is a commonly used phrasal verb that expresses the action of resolving issues or finding solutions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, science, and general writing contexts. While versatile, the phrase may not be the most appropriate choice for highly formal or academic settings, where more precise alternatives may be preferred. The phrase conveys optimism and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Related phrases include "sort things out" and "figure things out".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort things out

Focuses more on clarifying and organizing details to resolve a problem.

figure things out

Emphasizes the cognitive process of understanding or discovering a solution.

resolve the situation

Highlights the act of settling or finding a solution to a particular situation.

iron out the details

Focuses on eliminating minor problems or inconsistencies to finalize an arrangement.

settle the matter

Implies bringing a dispute or issue to a formal or definitive conclusion.

get to the bottom of things

Emphasizes uncovering the true or fundamental cause of a problem.

straighten things out

Focuses on correcting errors or misunderstandings to create order.

find a solution

Highlights the act of discovering a means of solving a problem.

bring to a resolution

Implies guiding a problem or issue towards a conclusion or settlement.

come to terms

Focuses on reaching an agreement or acceptance of a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "work everything out" in a sentence?

You can use "work everything out" when you want to express the idea of resolving a problem or figuring out a solution, as in "Let's sit down and try to "work everything out" together".

What are some alternatives to "work everything out"?

Consider using phrases like "sort things out", "figure things out", or "resolve the situation" as alternatives to "work everything out", depending on the specific context.

Is "work everything out" appropriate for formal writing?

While "work everything out" is generally acceptable, it may be better to use more formal alternatives such as "resolve", "determine", or "ascertain" in academic or professional contexts. The best choice depends on the tone and audience.

What does it mean to say that "everything will work out"?

Saying "everything will work out" is an optimistic expression meaning that despite current challenges, things will eventually resolve favorably. It's similar to saying things will "fall into place".