work it out

USAGE SUMMARY

"work it out" is a valid phrase that is typically used in written English.
For example, you might write, "We don't know the answer yet, so let's work it out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just work it out.

The New York Times

We'd work it out".

The New York Times

But we'll work it out.

The New Yorker

Let's work it out.

Yale University

Work it out, brother.

The New York Times - Arts

Or work it out.

The Guardian

So work it out".

The New York Times

He'll work it out.

The Guardian - Sport

They'll work it out.

The New York Times - Sports

'We'll work it out.

The Guardian - Sport

Not many foreigners can work it out".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work it out" when you want to emphasize the process of figuring something out through effort or collaboration. It's suitable for both problem-solving and understanding complex issues.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "work it out". Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "resolve", "determine", or "ascertain" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work it out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It implies a process of solving a problem, understanding a situation, or resolving a conflict through effort or discussion. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in expressing problem-solving and comprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "work it out" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that signifies problem-solving, understanding, or resolving conflicts. Its frequent appearance in News & Media and Academia, as indicated by Ludwig, highlights its broad applicability. While generally acceptable in most contexts, it's important to consider more formal alternatives for professional communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood, making it a valuable addition to your communication toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

figure it out

Emphasizes the process of understanding something, often through thought or effort.

solve the problem

Similar to 'find a solution' but emphasizes the act of solving.

find a solution

Directly states the act of discovering a way to overcome a problem.

sort it out

Suggests organizing or clarifying a situation to resolve it.

resolve the issue

Focuses on finding a solution to a specific problem.

come to an understanding

Highlights reaching a mutual agreement or comprehension.

straighten things out

Suggests correcting errors or resolving misunderstandings to improve a situation.

iron out the details

Implies addressing minor discrepancies or issues to finalize something.

get to the bottom of it

Focuses on uncovering the root cause of an issue.

deal with it

Implies managing or handling a situation, often with a sense of finality.

FAQs

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

You can use "work it out" in sentences like: "Let's sit down and "try to work it out"", "I'm sure we can "manage to work it out"", or "They need to "find a way to work it out"".

What's a more formal way to say "work it out"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "resolve the issue", "determine the solution", or "ascertain the cause" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "work it out" appropriate for professional communication?

While "work it out" is generally acceptable, for highly professional communication, consider alternatives that convey a more sophisticated tone, such as "address the matter" or "resolve the situation".

What is the difference between "work it out" and "figure it out"?

"Work it out" often implies a process of solving a problem or resolving a conflict, while "figure it out" typically refers to understanding something through thought or effort. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing problem-solving or comprehension.