work on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work on something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of engaging in a task or project that requires effort or attention. Example: "I need to work on my presentation for tomorrow's meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mendes indicated a desire to work on something fresh.

The Guardian

COMMENTCould we please have at least one of these "brainiacs" work on something beneficial to humanity?

The New York Times

Every day I work on something different.

The New York Times - Books

Work on something important to you".

The Guardian - Arts

You work on something by yourself".

The Guardian - Music

I'd have to work on something different".

The Guardian - Tech

It's nice to work on something you are proud of".

Independent

Last June, Bolton went to work on something much riskier.

The New Yorker

You have to work on something that makes you uncertain.

The New York Times

"I will start work on something else," Ware said.

MIT Technology Review

"If you work on something, your game will be elevated.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work on something", ensure the context clearly defines what 'something' refers to. Vague references can lead to confusion. Be specific to improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "work on something" repeatedly in a short span. Vary your language by using alternatives like "focus on", "develop", or "address" to keep your writing engaging and prevent it from becoming monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work on something" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of engaging in a task or project. It is used to express the commitment of time and effort towards a specific, often unspecified, goal, as Ludwig's examples showcase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work on something" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of dedicating effort to a task or project. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, wiki and scientific sources. When using "work on something", ensure clarity by specifying what 'something' refers to and avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms such as "focus on something" or "develop something".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus on something

This alternative suggests a concentration of effort and attention towards a specific task or goal.

devote time to something

This phrase emphasizes the allocation of time and resources to a particular endeavor.

dedicate effort to something

Similar to the previous one, this option puts stress on the commitment of energy and hard work.

apply oneself to something

This alternative indicates a deliberate and focused engagement with a task.

undertake a task

This suggests beginning or committing to a specific project or activity.

tackle a project

This alternative implies a direct and proactive approach to dealing with a project.

address an issue

This option focuses on dealing with a specific problem or concern.

handle a matter

This implies managing or dealing with a particular situation or subject.

attend to something

This phrase suggests giving attention and care to a specific thing or matter.

see to something

This alternative implies ensuring that something is properly taken care of or completed.

FAQs

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

The phrase "work on something" is used to describe the act of dedicating time and effort to a task or project. For example, "I need to "work on something" important this afternoon."

What are some alternatives to "work on something"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "focus on something", "develop something", or "address an issue".

Is it appropriate to use "work on something" in formal writing?

Yes, "work on something" is appropriate in formal writing, though more precise language might be preferable in certain contexts. Instead of "work on something", consider using "dedicate effort to something" or "apply oneself to something" for a more formal tone.

What does it mean when someone says they need to "work on something"?

When someone says they need to ""work on something"", it generally means they need to dedicate time and effort to complete a task, improve a skill, or address a problem. The specific 'something' varies depending on the conversation's context.