work on

USAGE SUMMARY

"work on" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing a task that requires effort and dedication, such as creating a document, working on a project, or fixing a problem. For example: "I'm going to work on my report this afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Brakes work on hydraulics".

The New York Times

To work on what?

Independent

I work on concepts".

The New York Times - Arts

They work on shift.

The Economist

We'll work on that.

Independent

Work on your knees.

WikiHow

Work on your landing.

WikiHow

Work on your accuracy.

WikiHow

Work on your eggbeater.

WikiHow

Work on transitions.

WikiHow

Work on your dad.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work on", be specific about what you are trying to achieve. Instead of saying "I need to work on my project", specify "I need to work on the introduction of my project".

Common error

Avoid using "work on" without a clear object. For instance, instead of saying "I'm working on it", clarify with "I'm working on resolving the issue" to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "work on" is that of a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "work" with the preposition "on" to create a new meaning, typically indicating the action of dedicating effort to improve, develop, or complete something. Ludwig examples show it being used in various contexts such as "work on your landing" or "work on your studies".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

53%

News & Media

45%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work on" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that signifies the act of dedicating effort to improve or develop something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is frequently found in both news and media, and wiki sources. To use it effectively, be specific about the target of your efforts and avoid vague references. Consider alternatives like ""focus on"" or ""develop"" for nuanced expression. By understanding its function, purpose, and context, you can confidently incorporate "work on" into your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus on

Emphasizes concentrating efforts towards a specific goal or task.

develop

Highlights the gradual growth or improvement of something over time.

improve

Directly indicates making something better or enhancing its quality.

refine

Suggests making small changes to perfect something already well-developed.

cultivate

Implies nurturing and carefully developing something, often over a long period.

dedicate time to

Focuses on the commitment of time and resources to a particular activity.

spend time on

Highlights the allocation of time towards a certain endeavor.

devote effort to

Emphasizes the energy and work invested in a specific task.

address

Implies taking steps to deal with or resolve a problem or issue.

tackle

Suggests confronting and actively working to overcome a challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "work on" in a sentence?

You can use "work on" to describe the act of dedicating effort to improve or complete something. For example, "I need to "focus on" my presentation" or "The team will "develop" a new strategy".

What are some alternatives to "work on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""focus on"", ""develop"", "improve", or "refine".

Is it correct to say "working on it"?

Yes, "working on it" is a common and acceptable phrase, especially in informal contexts, to indicate that you are currently making an effort to complete or resolve something. Providing context ensures greater clarity.

What's the difference between "work on" and "work at"?

"Work on" generally means to dedicate effort towards improving or completing something, while "work at" usually refers to the act of holding a job or employment. For example, you might "work on" a project, but you "work at" a company.