work through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work through" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the act of thoroughly and diligently working on something until completion. For example, "I've been working through the math problems in my textbook this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just work through it".

The New York Times - Sports

Work through adversity?

The New York Times

"And I work through weekends".

The New York Times

Work through discomfort.

The New York Times

God can work through anything, sha.

The New Yorker

Some guys got to work through it.

The New York Times - Sports

Let's work through each question quickly.

The New York Times

It takes strength to work through it.

The New York Times

"We work through things," he said.

The New York Times

We needed to work through that.

The New York Times

Or should I work through as usual?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work through", ensure you're emphasizing the process of dealing with a challenge or problem, not just its resolution. It implies a methodical and thorough approach.

Common error

Avoid using "work through" when a simpler verb like "solve" or "address" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. Choose the most direct and concise option for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work through" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of methodically dealing with or resolving a problem, issue, or task. Ludwig shows this in examples like "We need to "work through" that" where active engagement is clear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "work through" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression indicating a methodical approach to addressing challenges or problems. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples showcase its versatility across various contexts, from news to academic writing. Although simpler alternatives may exist, "work through" emphasizes a deliberate and thorough process. It's a valuable phrase for conveying the need for active engagement and resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve

Focuses on reaching a solution or decision, often implying the removal of doubt or difficulty. It doesn't necessarily imply the same amount of effort as "work through".

tackle

Implies addressing a problem or task directly and with determination, often in a more forceful manner than "work through".

address

Emphasizes the act of dealing with a specific issue or problem, sometimes in a more formal or official context compared to "work through".

navigate

Suggests carefully guiding oneself through a complex situation or environment, highlighting the skill and strategy needed. It's less direct than "work through".

grapple with

Implies struggling or wrestling with a difficult problem or concept, suggesting a more intense and prolonged effort than "work through".

overcome

Focuses on successfully conquering a challenge or obstacle, highlighting the achievement rather than the process of "working through" it.

manage

Implies handling or controlling a situation or task effectively, often emphasizing efficiency and resourcefulness more than the detailed effort implied by "work through".

handle

Suggests dealing with a situation or object, often implying a degree of skill or care. It is more general than "work through".

sort out

Indicates resolving a complicated situation by clarifying or organizing it, implying a focus on untangling details which might not always be present in the idea of "work through".

get through

Suggests surviving or enduring a difficult experience, emphasizing the completion of a challenging period, whereas "work through" focuses on the active engagement with the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "work through" to describe the process of dealing with a problem or situation, for example, "We need to "work through" these issues together".

What can I say instead of "work through"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve", "tackle", or "address" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "work through" something, or is it better to say "work on" something?

"Work through" typically implies a more complete and thorough engagement with a problem or task, while "work on" is more general. Both are correct, but their meanings differ slightly.

What's the difference between "work through" and "go through"?

"Work through" implies actively addressing and resolving something, whereas "go through" often refers to experiencing something, possibly without active intervention. For example, "We need to "work through" our problems" versus "We "go through" a lot together".