work out

USAGE SUMMARY

"work out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used when referring to physical exercise, for example: "I'm going to go for a run to work out." It can also mean to solve a problem or reach a solution, for example: "I'm trying to work out the best way to save money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They work out!

The New Yorker

It'll work out.

Forbes

One didn't work out".

Independent

How'd that work out?

The New York Times - Sports

I'd work out.

The New Yorker

That didn't work out.

The New Yorker

Things work out nicely.

The New York Times

It didn't work out".

The New York Times - Sports

Ultimately, things work out".

Science Magazine

I work out!

Forbes

Work out compromises.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work out" in the context of exercise, be specific about the type of activity (e.g., "work out at the gym", "work out with weights") to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "work out" ambiguously. Ensure the context makes it clear whether you mean to exercise, calculate, or resolve a problem. If there's a chance of confusion, use a more specific verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "work out" functions primarily as a verb, indicating activities ranging from physical exercise to problem-solving and calculation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its versatility across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

37%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work out" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, encompassing physical exercise, problem-solving, and calculation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples showcase its usage across various contexts, including news, media, and practical guides. While generally neutral in tone, clarifying the specific intent is crucial to avoid ambiguity. You can also consider alternatives like "exercise" or "figure out" to add more precision when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise

Focuses specifically on physical activity, a more direct synonym when "work out" refers to physical training.

train

Specifically refers to physical training, similar to one meaning of "work out".

figure out

Emphasizes the problem-solving aspect, similar to one of the meanings of "work out".

solve

Directly indicates finding an answer to a problem, close in meaning to "figure out".

calculate

Highlights the mathematical sense of "work out", referring to computation.

compute

Synonymous with "calculate", emphasizing the numerical aspect.

resolve

Indicates finding a solution or settling a problem, akin to "work out" in some contexts.

iron out

Implies resolving difficulties or smoothing out problems, similar to one sense of "work out".

devise

Suggests creating or planning something, overlapping with the "work out" meaning of formulating a plan.

develop

Focuses on the process of growth or improvement, related to "work out" in the sense of things progressing.

FAQs

How can I use "work out" in a sentence about exercise?

You can say "I'm going to "work out" at the gym today" or "She "works out" every morning before work".

What's a good alternative to "work out" when referring to solving a problem?

Consider using "figure out", "solve", or "resolve" instead of ""work out"".

Is it correct to use "work out" in a formal business context?

Yes, ""work out"" is acceptable, but in some cases, a more formal alternative like "calculate" or "determine" might be more appropriate depending on the specific meaning.

What's the difference between ""work out"" and "exercise"?

"Work out" can refer to various activities including planning or solving problems, while "exercise" specifically refers to physical activity.